Office of the Mayor
350 South 5th Street - Room 331
Minneapolis MN 55415-1393

Sharon Sayles Belton
Mayor Office (612) 673-2100
Fax 673-2305
TTY 673-3187

November 15, 2000

Mr. Elwyn Tinklenberg, Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Transportation Building
St. Paul, MN 55155

Dear Commissioner Tinklenberg:

I am writing to express my concern with the current proposal by the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the redesign and construction of the Highway 55 /62 Interchange.

While I am pleased that both the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District are taking a very close look at this matter and it appears that Minnesota Department of Transportation staff and consultants are working hard to address the potential negative environmental issues, I remain concerned that there is still unacceptable risks to Camp Coldwater Spring posed by this activity. We must not take any chance that the work on the Interchange will threaten Camp Coldwater and the adjacent natural environment.

I urge the Minnesota Department of Transportation to explore alternatives actively. All of us in the City of Minneapolis understand that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is facing a number of construction challenges with the completion of the Highway 55 project. I believe continued public support for this project is dependent upon the belief that Minnesota Department of Transportation is doing everything possible to protect the environment and explore less invasive alternatives.

I also urge you to continue your active cooperation with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, given their expertise and commitment to protecting our water resources. Any potential risk to our natural environment is unacceptable. If I can be of assistance in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,


Sharon Sayles Belton
Mayor

Cc:
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

Lower Minnesota River Watershed District
SSB:ART