Senator Johnson Tours Madison

Posted on Monday, August 18, 2008

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson toured the city of Madison by bus on Friday. Johnson was accompanied on the windshield tour by a number of Madison community leaders. Cecelia Wittmayer from Dakota State University showed the senator the progress of several construction projects at DSU. Many of the residence halls have been, or are being refurbished. Wittmayer said more construction projects are being planned as well.

During a trip down highway 34, former City Commissioner Jerry Johnson, gave an update of the Highway 34 for the Future project. Johnson said the traffic count numbers continue to support the need for a four-lane highway from Madison to I-29. Senator Johnson said the state of South Dakota will need to get involved in funding for that project to finally take off, adding that the road will be built sooner or later.

LAIC board president Mike McDowell showed the senator the progress of the Industrial Park north of town, Madison Mayor Gene Hexom showed the plans for the new pool, and East River Electric General Manager Jeff Nelson gave a tour of the new building that East River is constructing on highway 34.

Senator Johnson's visit to Madison is part of a 19 city tour through South Dakota for the senator.