St. Paul to Begin $750 Million Road Projects with 1-Cent Tax

As construction crews tackle road issues on St. Paul's Hamline Avenue, local residents express their enthusiasm for the ongoing improvements. Sharon Hemmons, a city resident, described the road problems as "everywhere you go," but now, she feels a significant change is underway. Mayor Melvin Carter highlighted the swift progress since voters approved a 1-cent increase in the local sales tax, which has funded over 100 Common Cent projects across the city in less than a year. The sales tax initiative aims to enhance city infrastructure, including parks and roads. Major projects are set to commence soon, with significant work planned for the intersection of Grand and Fairview avenues. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address long-standing infrastructure challenges in St. Paul, with a focus on delivering tangible results to the community. Sean Kershaw, a city official, emphasized the scale of the undertaking, noting that the plan includes reconstructing 40 miles of road over the next 15 years, with an estimated cost of $750 million. He expressed pride in the city's ability to move beyond planning stages to actual project delivery, marking a pivotal moment for St. Paul’s infrastructure. Residents like Hemmons are eager for these changes, echoing sentiments that the improvements are not just necessary but long overdue. The Grand Avenue project represents a significant step forward in revitalizing the city’s infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.