Faribault Mayor Wants CR 39 Interchange Off I-35

Kevin Voracek, Faribault Mayor, during a visit on KDHL this week again endorsed the idea of having a interchange constructed just south of Faribault off County Road 39.

Rice CR39 Bridge Just South of Faribault Looking NE. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld

For years I have been vocal about the lunacy of having a half interchange off Highway 21 in Faribault.

Yes it is half an interchange. You can only enter Faribault there if you are going north on Interstate 35.

Rice County Road 39 Bridge Looking South I-35. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld

I asked State Senators and State Representatives, former mayors, city council members and others why before lobbying for a County Road 9 Interchange we don't fix the fact that those living in south Faribault have to go all the way across town to access the interstate going north.

Voracek has pointed out looking at adding an interchange going south at Highwa 21 has been examined and at this point would not work due to the cost of property acquisition.

Although there is such a tool as Eminent Domain.

Below is our conversation with Mayor Voracek on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

attachment-mayor kevin aug 24 edit

The Faribault City Council this week also approved the first reading of an ordinance increasing the salaries of the Mayor and City Council members.

The last increase occurred in January 2019 after passage in 2017.

The current salary for the Mayor is $10,800. Council member salaries are $8,420.

Increases effective January 1, 2023 will be to $13,000 for the Mayor and $9,600 for Council Members.

Effective January 1, 2024 the Mayor salary will be $13,500 a year and Council Members will receive $9,800 a year.

This is interesting to view.