Turnback Proposal Updated

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has given International Falls a commitment that funding connected to a highway turnback proposal to Koochiching County will remain in place for at least to the end of the year.

The city has yet to make a decision regarding State plans to turn a portion of Highway 332 over to the county because of concerns it may lead to a by-pass.

MNDOT's Assistant Director of Engineering Walter Leu told council last night the 3-million dollars associated with proposal will be there until the city makes a decision.

"If you could give us an answer by the first of the year, yes," said Leu. "We'll just keep that in reserve and just add it to the bill if its favourable."

Mayor Shawn Mason says the city does not want to put the project and funding in jeopardy, but wants to find a way of resolving its concerns.