Pine River City councilors heard from Landecker & Associates Engineer Bryan Drown, May 12, about projects that would be advantageous to complete as the Minnesota Department of Transportation widens Highway 371.

Possible local projects include:

Replacing existing sewer and water crossings under Highway 371; making road and storm sewer improvements of First Street between Ridge Avenue and County Road 42, and on Mill Street from Highway 1 to Barclay Avenue West; and adding a water main crossing near Minnesota Avenue.

The City of Pine River would shoulder the responsibility for the local projects outside of MnDOT's scope for the expansion.

Crow Wing County sponsored an application for $100.8 million in high priority federal funding in hopes of starting the expansion of Highway 371 from Nisswa to Jenkins in 2012 and from Jenkins to Pine River in 2014 - instead of the projected 2018 and 2029 dates, respectively.

Part of the request for funds includes funding assistance for local projects in impacted cities along the route.

MnDOT's Tim Bray also attended the Pine River City Council meeting to give an update on other future projects.

MnDOT currently has plans for mill and overlay of Highway 371 from Nisswa to Pine River, and mill and overlay of Highway 84 in Pine River in 2011.

Bridge replacement at the dam in Pine River is scheduled for 2014. However, MnDOT's projects are subject to change depending on funding.