 Highway 371 could one day change to a four lane highway all the way from Brainerd to Cass Lake. Currently it's four lanes from Brainerd to Jenkins, but today the House Transportation Committee listened to a study of options regarding further expansion of the highway. Their proposal being studied would continue the expansion of the four lane Paul Bunyan Expressway from Jenkins to Cass Lake. The House Transportation Committee heard testimony from both those four and against the expansion today. Representative Matt Bliss says it's a study that includes more than just expansion of the highway. We're not necessarily studying just a four lane expansion, I want all options looked at. And also I've added an amendment that will do an economic and environmental impact study. So that's kind of addressing some of the concerns that I heard from the impacted parties. It is a passionate issue on both sides and this bill was just meant to be a vehicle for discussions, a base for a starting point for discussions. So prior to any ground being broke or shovels being put into dirt, we would have all interested parties sit at a table and discuss all the options and look at the plan. The Highway 371 bill passed the Transportation Committee hearing and now moves on to the House Finance Committee. Our Josh Peterson will have more from the state Capitol as he recaps Bemidji Day at the Capitol tomorrow night right here on Lakeland News. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.