Powerful Partnership Between Albertville, St. Michael and Otsego Recognized as 'Key' in Completion of Albertville I-94 Project

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and appreciation luncheon Wednesday celebrated the partnership between Albertville, St. Michael, Otsego and Wright County that led to the succes of the newly completed Interstate 94 project.

"The partnerships here between cities are key and something I can't take credit for," said Adam Nafstad, Albertville city engineer, who will be taking over as city administrator in 2013. Nafstad led the luncheon.

The city of Albertville hosted the event Wednesday afternoon for many of those who played a part in the project.

The Albertville project, the I-94 Westbound Collector-Distributor Road project, aimed to improve access between westbound I-94, Wright County Road 37 and Wright County Road 19 in Albertville with an addition of a new collector-distributor road.

The new ramp was opened about a month ago. Photos of the ramp's opening last month can be found here.

At the event, a freeze frame of the first day the new freeway opened was displayed behind officials as they staged a ribbon cutting.

"You have all worked tirelessly," Nafstad said to current and past council members, including former Albertville mayors Ron Klecker and Mike Potter and former council member Tom Fay.

Nafstad continued to thank and appreciate many others including Eureka Construction, Bolton and Menk engineers and surveyers, Albertville Premium Outlets and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

"MNDot was a significant funding partner and without a state grant, we wouldn't be here today," he said.

Finally, Nafstad and Albertville Mayor-Elect Jillian Hendrickson presented Steve Hosch a certificate of appreciation. Hosch works for the city of St. Michael, but through a partnership the cities coordinated, he was able to oversee and work on the I-94 project.

"Steve worked long hours and days and please know how much we appreciate the partnership," Nafstad said.