Anoka Times

Anoka County has initiated legal action against the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) after more than $6 million in state transportation funds, originally expected by the county, were redirected to build a pedestrian bridge in the City of Anoka. The lawsuit claims that State Representative Zach Stephenson used his legislative influence to secure funding for what is described as his own project.

"I support the action. Robbing a fund to pay for a legislator’s pet project sets an awful precedent. In my opinion, the county is correct in taking action and I hope it is successful," said State Representative Peggy Scott.

According to Anoka County's lawsuit, Stephenson is accused of "misusing the legislative process to finance his own pet project." The redirected funds are now intended for a third pedestrian bridge over the Rum River in Anoka, which is part of a city plan to introduce whitewater surfing. Stephenson represents the House district that includes Anoka.

The legal filing seeks to prevent MnDOT from allocating these state funds for the bridge unless directed by Anoka County. The county had planned to use this funding for an underpass in St. Francis and for trail and park improvements in Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, and Andover.