(ABC 6 News) – The future of transportation in our area was the focus during the Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments (ROCOG) monthly meeting on Wednesday.

A $3.03 million Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) is available in the fiscal year 2028, money the council can put towards a local project.

Potentially, reconstruction of a portion of 18 Avenue Southwest in Olmsted County. That is ultimately what won over the council over reconstructing 7 Street in Byron.

“The county is committed to starting construction on this project in, just 2026. It has previous funding on it,” a ROCOG member said during the meeting.

“Where the timeline for Byron’s project is a bit more flexible.”

ROCOG will send the Olmsted County project to MnDOT in April for approval.