Funding Secured for Highway 8 Redevelopment

Local public officials along with state and federal officials gathered to celebrate at a reception with coffee and cookies for an update on Highway 8. There is $80,000,000 now in secured funding to reconstruct Highway 8 from Forest Lake to Karmel Avenue in Chisago City.

The primary reason the County took the lead on the project is for safety, but the new design will also provide for new commercial, industrial and housing development sites through Wyoming and Chisago City.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2026 after land is secured and environmental studies are completed.

Thank you to our State and Local Government Officials for continuing to support and advocate for the Hwy 8 reconstruction project. Please see the Chisago County Press for additional information of the event.

Picture – The most updated Design for Hwy 8 was displayed at the reception.  

Filling the Child Care Gap

The connection is clear; when our children thrive, so do our communities. A study completed by First Children’s Finance showed a shortage of approximately 1,449 spots for children birth to 5 years with all parents in the workforce. Further analysis identified the need for infant and toddler care in the county of roughly 580 slots.

The Chisago County Child Care Committee, made up of representatives from public health, economic development, child care resources, parents, and more; held three open house events across the county to share resources for providers and to attract new child care businesses.

Through funding from First Children’s Finance, Chisago County has grants of $2,000 to help new Child Care businesses get up and running. The grants may help with licensing, equipment, Fire Marshall inspections and other costs related to starting up a child care business.

Please contact the HRA-EDA for a grant applications nancy@chisagocounty.org (651)674-5664 or Chisago County licensor Lanay.miller@chisagocountymn.gov for information on becoming a provider.