Milestone project completes a continuous four-lane highway between New Ulm and Rochester
 Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan stood alongside a bipartisan group of legislators and community leaders to open the last stretch of Highway 14 that completes a continuous four-lane highway between New Ulm and Rochester.?
?As someone who has lost a neighbor on this road, I know that for the Minnesotans who travel?Highway 14 every day, this project is personal. After years of working on this in Congress, I?m incredibly proud to see the final miles of this project completed,??said Governor Walz.??Today, I am keeping all who have lost loved ones on this highway in my thoughts. This expansion will keep Minnesotans safe while expanding economic activity across southern Minnesota.?
?Highway 14?s expansion is a major investment in the safety and vitality of communities across southern Minnesota,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?I am so proud to be celebrating its completion and am grateful for all our partners who have been instrumental throughout this project. We will continue investing in transportation and infrastructure projects that connect Minnesotans, improve safety, and drive economic growth.?
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan presented Minnesota?s Thanksgiving turkey at the Capitol.?
?Minnesota produces more turkey than any other state, and that is thanks to the hard work and passion of our growers every day of the year,?said Governor Walz.??Minnesota?s agriculture industry is a crucial part of our state?s thriving economy and culture. I am grateful for all of Minnesota?s farmers and growers who work to ensure we can enjoy our favorite foods this holiday season.?
?Minnesota?s $12 billion turkey industry wouldn?t be possible without our turkey growers and their families,??said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.??I want to thank our turkey growers for their work to feed our state and country. As we gather with loved ones around the dining table this holiday season, this is a perfect time to celebrate their contributions to our communities, economy, and the world.?
Minnesota has consistently ranked #1 in the United States for turkey production with over 660 turkey farms and 450 farmers statewide, raising over 40 million birds. Minnesota accounts for 18 percent of all turkeys produced in the U.S. The $12 billion industry support over 46,000 jobs across Minnesota.
 Ahead of the holiday season, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan? announced $5 million in new funding for Minnesota?s food shelves. With significant increases in food shelf demand this season, Governor Walz will allocate $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for Minnesota?s seven regional food banks.?
?No family should go hungry this holiday season,? said Governor Walz. ?As we continue working to lower costs, we?re making sure our state?s food banks can keep helping families get what they need. We?re grateful for the continued collaboration with partners like Second Harvest that are helping Minnesotans all year round.??
?Food shelves and banks step up to help Minnesotans put food on the table when resources are stretched thin,? said Lieutenant Governor?Flanagan.??I?m proud our administration can do our part in providing an additional $5 million to support the year-round work that connects Minnesotans with food resources, especially to meet the rising demand during the holiday season.?
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