Anyone interested in the economic future of southwest Minnesota probably breathed a sigh of relief when they picked up Saturday's Daily Globe.
We reported on the front page that an intervention from Gov. Tim Pawlenty had spared a segment of U.S. 59 from Marshall to Worthington (as well as a section of Minnesota 19 from Redwood Falls to Marshall) from a reclassification proposed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. If the highway classification change from principal arterial to minor arterial had been made, those roads could have faced longer waits to receive money for improvements.
As was explained in a Daily Globe editorial Aug. 2, reclassification of U.S. 59 would have sent a dangerous message to anyone wishing to retain and relocate business to the region. Worthington, for instance, now has a bioscience industrial park for which development officials are actively seeking related enterprises. It seems logical to assume that if a company intrigued by a potential relocation to Worthington learned that one of its primary thoroughfares ranked low on the priority chain, it would probably consider looking elsewhere.
Officials in Worthington, Nobles County, Slayton, Murray County and Marshall -- among other locales -- all let their opposition to the proposed change be known. Additionally, Reps. Doug Magnus and Rod Hamilton got involved and got the ear of Pawlenty, who ultimately put a stop to the MnDOT recommendation.
To all who raised their voices on this matter -- thanks. You acted in the best interests of your region.
