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FY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO) is in charge of developing a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a federally mandated, annually prepared document that contains highway, transit, and other transportation projects for which federal funds are programmed during a four-year period within the metropolitan area.

APO staff is in the process of completing the fiscal years 2027-2030 TIP and is asking for your opinion on these proposed federally-funded projects.

Please note that sometimes a jurisdiction may be awarded federal funds for a specific future year – like 2029 for example – but the jurisdiction may choose to construct the project sooner – in 2027 for example – and then reimburse themselves with the federal funds when they receive them. This is known as Advanced Construction. This survey does not include projects that have already been constructed and are only waiting on federal reimbursement through the Advanced Construction process.

For Saint Cloud Metro Bus, federally-funded projects contained in this survey are broken into two categories: Operation Costs and Capital Improvements. Capital Improvements are further broken down by fiscal year.

Thank you.
Benton County
Benton County 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by Benton County within the APO's planning area.
1.Benton County has one project programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important this project is to you and to regional transportation.

Note project #1 on the map has already been constructed in a previous year and is waiting on federal reimbursement.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#2: Benton County was a recipient of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding -- formerly known as federal earmark funding -- to complete a corridor extension of Benton CSAH 29 from CSAH 1 (Mayhew Lake Road) to CSAH 3 (Golden Spike Road NE). This capacity expansion project is tied to the larger, regional priority to complete an urban beltline corridor around the Saint Cloud metro. The estimated project cost is $9.5 million with the county receiving $5 million in CDS funds and the remaining $4.5 million coming from local funding sources.
2.If there was sufficient funding for Benton County to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
Stearns County
Stearns County 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by Stearns County within the APO's planning area.
3.Stearns County has five projects programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important these projects is to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#3: Stearns County is proposing to install a roundabout at the intersection of CSAH 133 (Second Street S) and Fourth Avenue S in the City of Sartell. The estimated project cost is $2 million with $1,201,005 coming from federal funding and the remaining $798,995 coming from local funding sources.
#4: Stearns County has agreed to be the lead agency on a multijurisdictional project to reconstruct Townline Road (30th Avenue N) from Stearns CSAH 4 to the southern city limits of Saint Stephen. The estimated project cost is $10,055,095 with $1.5 million coming from Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) -- formerly known as federal earmarks -- $8,148,335 coming from the state of Minnesota's general fund through legislative direction, and the remaining $406,740 coming from local funding sources.
#11: Stearns County is proposing to reconstruct CSAH 1 from CSAH 17 near the Rice Bridge to the northern county line. The estimated project cost is $3.5 million with $1,448,675 coming from federal funding and the remaining $2,051,325 coming from local funding sources.
#12: Stearns County is proposing to add ground-in wet reflective edge line pavement markings along multiple roadways countywide. Four of those roadways are located within the APO's planning area:

*CSAH 4 between CSAH 3 and CSAH 2.
*CSAH 3 between Norway Road and the northern county line.
*CSAH 47 from MN 23 to MN 15.
*CSAH 8 from MN 23 to MN 15 (a significant portion of this corridor is outside of the APO's planning area).

The estimated project cost is $980,000 for the entire countywide project with $750,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $230,000 coming from local funding sources.
#27: Stearns County is proposing to complete a mill and overlay of CSAH 75 between Cooper Avenue S and Traverse Road in the City of Saint Cloud. The estimated project cost is $1.5 million with $792,556 coming from federal funding and the remaining $707,444 coming from local funding sources.
4.If there was sufficient funding for Stearns County to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
City of Saint Cloud
City of Saint Cloud 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the City of Saint Cloud.
5.The City of Saint Cloud has three projects programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important these projects is to you and to regional transportation.

Note project #5 on the map has already been constructed in a previous year and is waiting on federal reimbursement.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#6: The City of Saint Cloud is proposing to complete the Heatherwood Road corridor connection between 47th Street S and 60th Street S near the Opportunity Drive Industrial Park. This project will also complete the existing gap in the Beaver Islands Trail network. The estimated project cost is $10.9 million with $1,601,005 coming from federal funding, $7 million coming from Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) -- formerly known as federal earmarks -- and the remaining $2,298,995 coming from local funding sources.
#13: The City of Saint Cloud is proposing to fill in sidewalk gaps along 13th Street S between 11th Avenue S and Ninth Avenue S near South Junior High School. In addition, the City is looking to install a pedestrian activated crossing (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon -- RRFB) at the intersection of 13th Street S and Ninth Avenue S. The estimated project cost is $225,000 with $180,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $45,000 coming from local funding sources.
#14: The City of Saint Cloud is proposing to reconstruct Ninth/10th Avenue from University Drive to Second Street N. The project will also include multimodal improvements along the corridor. The estimated project cost is $8.9 million with $1,201,005 coming from federal funding and the remaining $7,698,995 coming from local funding sources.
6.If there was sufficient funding for the City of Saint Cloud to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
City of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the City of Saint Joseph within the APO's planning area.
7.The City of Saint Joseph has one project programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important this project is to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#31: The City of Saint Joseph is proposing to construct a shared use path from Kennedy Community School to Rivers Bend Park along the Stearns County Road 121/College Avenue S corridor. The estimated project cost is $358,682 with $286,946 coming from federal funding and the remaining $71,736 coming from local funding sources.
8.If there was sufficient funding for the City of Saint Joseph to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
City of Sartell
City of Sartell 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the City of Sartell.
9.The City of Sartell has one project programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following question and tell us how important this project is to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#7: The City of Sartell is proposing to acquire right-of-way for the future construction of the 15th Street N connection between Pinecone Road N and 19th Avenue N. The City was successful in receiving Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding -- formerly known as federal earmark funding -- to complete this right-of-way acquisition in the amount of $2.15 million. The estimated project cost is $3.88 million with $3,093,774 coming from federal funding ($2.15 million in CDS funds and an additional $943,774 in federal funds) and the remaining $786,226 coming from local funding sources.
10.If there was sufficient funding for the City of Sartell to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
City of Sauk Rapids
City of Sauk Rapids 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the City of Sauk Rapids.
11.The City of Sauk Rapids has two projects programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.

Note project #15 on the map has already been constructed in a previous year and is waiting on federal reimbursement.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#16: The City of Sauk Rapids is proposing to extend the existing shared use path along Mayhew Lake Road NE/CSAH 1 northward from its current ending point of Osauka Road NE. The City is proposing to extend the facility northward to Storm Street NE/northern high school entrance on Mayhew Lake Road NE/CSAH 1. The City plans to connect this facility to the eventual entrance of Mayhew Creek Regional Park. In addition to the shared use path construction, the City is also proposing to complete a street reconstruction of Storm Street NE. The estimated project cost is $1,653,779 with $346,223 coming from federal funding, $86,556 in local funding for the trail construction, and the remaining $1,221,000 in local funding to complete the street reconstruction portion of the project.
#17: The City of Sauk Rapids is proposing to complete the shared use path connection along Mayhew Lake Road NE/CSAH 1. This proposed project will extend the shared use path from Storm Street NE/northern high school entrance on Mayhew Lake Road NE/CSAH 1 to CSAH 29/35th Street NE. The estimated project cost is $527,175 with $421,740 coming from federal funding and the remaining $105,435 coming from local funding sources.
12.If there was sufficient funding for the City of Sauk Rapids to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
City of Waite Park
City of Waite Park 2027-2030 TIP Project Map
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the City of Waite Park.
13.The City of Waite Park has one project programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important this project is to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#18: The City of Waite Park is proposing to expand 10th Avenue S from MN 23 to 100-feet south of the railroad tracks. This expansion will include the addition of a dedicated southbound through-lane as well as a concrete median barrier between MN 23 and the northern junction of First Street S. In addition, the City is proposing to construct a roundabout at the intersection of 10th Avenue S and First Street S. The estimated project cost is $3,348,400 with $1,911,005 coming from federal funding and the remaining $1,437,395 coming from local funding sources.
14.If there was sufficient funding for the City of Waite Park to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
WACOSA
Photo of a WACOSA vehicle parked outside of the WACOSA ThriftWorks! facility in Waite Park.
15.WACOSA has one project programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please tell us how important this project is to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
WACOSA is proposing to purchase one Class 200 vehicle (mini van) to expand its transportation services in 2027. The estimated project cost is $93,300 with $74,640 coming from federal funding and $18,660 coming from local funding sources.
16.If there was sufficient funding for WACOSA to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
MnDOT 2027-2030 TIP Projects
Map of the locations of the federally-funded projects led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) within the APO's planning area.
17.The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 3 has 16 projects programmed to receive federal funding during the time period of fiscal years 2027 through 2030. Please reference the above map for the following questions and tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
#8: MnDOT is proposing to construct a J-turn at the intersection of MN 23 and Stearns County CSAH 8 in Rockville. The estimated project cost is $1,505,000 with $1,304,260 coming from federal funding and the remaining $180,740 coming from state funding.
#9: MnDOT was a recipient of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding -- formerly known as federal earmark funding -- to construct a J-turn at the intersection of MN 23 and Bel Clare Drive in the City of Waite Park. The estimated project cost is $1,304,000 with $1.17 million coming from the federal CDS funds, $130,000 coming from state funding, and the remaining $4,000 coming from the City of Waite Park.
#10: MnDOT is proposing to overlay bridges 73877 and 73878 on I-94. These bridges span township road 477 (Jade Road) in Saint Joseph Township. The estimated project cost is $3.1 million with $2.79 million coming from federal funding and the remaining $310,000 coming from state funding.
#19: MnDOT is proposing to complete a mill and overlay pavement treatment on MN 23 (both eastbound and westbound lanes) from just east of 93rd Avenue near Rockville to the intersection of MN 23 and MN 15 in the City of Waite Park/City of Saint Cloud. This project will also include the replacement of several traffic signals and lights along the corridor as well as various upgrades to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. The estimated project cost is $24,974,000 with $16,388,759 coming from federal funding, $7,970,991 in state funding, and $614,250 coming from the local roadway agencies -- Stearns County (up to $425,000), City of Saint Cloud (up to $212,500) and City of Waite Park (up to $111,000).
#20: MnDOT is proposing to install fiber optic cable and traffic cameras along I-94 between the interchange with Stearns CSAH 75/Roosevelt Road (near McStop) and the interchange with Stearns CSAH 2 near Saint Joseph. The estimated project cost is $750,000 with $675,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $75,000 coming from state funding.
#21: MnDOT is proposing to replace the lights at the interchange of I-94 and MN 15 with LEDs. The estimated project cost is $2.5 million with $2 million coming from federal funding and the remaining $500,000 coming from state funding.
#22: MnDOT is proposing to install flashing lights, gates, and constant warning circuitry at the Northern Lines Railway railroad tracks that cross Sixth Avenue N in the City of Waite Park. The estimated project cost is $300,000 with all of that funding provided for by federal funding.
#23: MnDOT is proposing to replace the existing railroad signal system with new flashing lights, gates, and constant warning circuitry at the BNSF railroad tracks that cross Second Avenue NE in the City of Saint Cloud. The estimated project cost is $500,000 with $250,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $250,000 coming from BNSF.
#24: MnDOT is proposing to replace the existing railroad signal system with new flashing lights, gates, and constant warning circuitry at the BNSF railroad tracks that cross 25th Avenue N in the City of Saint Cloud. The estimated project cost is $500,000 with $250,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $250,000 coming from BNSF.
#25: MnDOT is proposing to replace the existing railroad signal system with new flashing lights, gates, and constant warning circuitry at the BNSF railroad tracks that cross 33rd Avenue N in the City of Saint Cloud. The estimated project cost is $500,000 with $250,000 coming from federal funding and the remaining $250,000 coming from BNSF.
#26: MnDOT is proposing to complete a mill and overlay of bridges 73869 and 73870 on I-94. These bridges span Stearns County's CSAH 2 near the City of Saint Joseph. The estimated project cost is $2.9 million with $2.61 million coming from federal funding and the remaining $290,000 coming from state funding.
#28: MnDOT is proposing to complete a mill and overlay pavement treatment on the eastbound and westbound lanes of MN 23 from MN 15 to near the railroad bridge near US 10 (the project terminus for the 2023-2024 US 10/MN 23 interchange project) in Saint Cloud. This project will also include upgrades to various components to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. The estimated project cost is $13.9 million with $10,788,150 coming from federal funding, $2,461,850 coming from state funding, and the remaining $650,000 coming from the City of Saint Cloud.
#29: MnDOT is proposing to install fiber and vehicle detection systems along I-94 between the MN 23 interchange near Rockville/Waite Park and the MN 238 interchange near Albany. The estimated project cost is $2 million with $1.8 million coming from federal funding and the remaining $200,000 coming from state funding.
#30: MnDOT is proposing to replace the existing railroad signal system with new flashing lights, gates, and constant warning circuitry at the Northern Lines Railway railroad tracks that cross Stearns CSAH 81 (Third Street N) in the City of Waite Park. The estimated project cost is $250,000 with all of that funding provided for by federal funding.
#32: MnDOT is proposing to complete a mill and overlay pavement treatment on MN 95 from the intersection with MN 23 to the Benton/Mille Lacs County line. Note, this project does extend outside of the APO's planning area boundary. The estimated project cost is $10.72 million for the entire project, with $8,728,224 coming from federal funding and the remaining $1,991,776 coming from state funding.
#33: MnDOT is proposing to install several dynamic messaging signs at various locations along I-94, US 10, and MN 23. Within the APO's planning area, this includes a sign on westbound I-94 near bridge 73877 (over Jade Road in Saint Joseph Township) and a sign on westbound MN 23 near Brenny Custom Cabinets just east of Saint Cloud. The estimated project cost is $1 million for the entire project with $692,070 coming from federal funding and the remaining $307,930 coming from state funding.
18.If there was sufficient funding for MnDOT to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities within the Saint Cloud area, what project would you add?
Saint Cloud Metro Bus
OPERATION COSTS
Saint Cloud Metro Bus is proposing budgets for operating assistance and paratransit operations. Please tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
19.Metro Bus is proposing the following budgets for operating assistance:

o 2027: $13,052,130 ($1,600,000 in federal funding + $11,452,130 in local funding)

o 2028: $13,704,736 ($1,600,000 in federal funding + $12,104,736 in local funding)

o 2029: $14,389,973 ($1,600,000 in federal funding + $12,789,973 in local funding)

o 2030: $15,109,500 ($1,800,000 in federal funding + $13,309,500 in local funding)
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
20.Metro Bus is proposing the following budgets for paratransit operations:

o 2027: $6,525,750 in local funding.

o 2028: $6,852,038 in local funding.

o 2029: $7,194,639 in local funding.

o 2030: $7,554,500 in local funding.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
2027
21.Saint Cloud Metro Bus has four projects programmed to receive federal funding during fiscal year 2027. Please tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase maintenance tools and equipment. This type of equipment is used in Metro Bus's shop to assist in the diagnostics or repair of buses or facilities. The estimated project cost is $74,000 with $59,200 coming from federal funding and $14,800 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase office equipment, IT, and communication projects. Examples of previous types of projects include new desks and computer servers. The estimated project cost is $122,000 with $97,600 coming from federal funding and $24,400 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to complete some facility improvements. Examples of this type of project include various building remodels to ensure continued useability of those facilities. The estimated project cost is $210,000 with $168,000 coming from federal funding and $42,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase 13 Class 700 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fixed route buses. The estimated project cost is $9,854,000 with $7,883,200 coming from federal funding and the remaining $1,970,800 coming from local funding sources.
2028
22.Saint Cloud Metro Bus has six projects programmed to receive federal funding and one regionally significant project funded with local dollars during fiscal year 2028. Please tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase maintenance tools and equipment. This type of equipment is used in Metro Bus's shop to assist in the diagnostics or repair of buses or facilities. The estimated project cost is $59,000 with $47,200 coming from federal funding and $11,800 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase three replacement operations vehicles (NOT buses). These vehicles are used internally by Metro Bus staff and can include pick up trucks for maintenance or SUV-type vehicles used by street supervisors to provide in-route support to bus operators. The estimated project cost is $135,000 with $108,000 coming from federal funding and $27,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase office equipment, IT, and communication projects. Examples of previous types of projects include new desks and computer servers. The estimated project cost is $372,000 with $297,600 coming from federal funding and $74,400 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase replacement/new bus shelters. The estimated project cost is $25,000 with $20,000 coming from federal funding and $5,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to complete some facility improvements. Examples of this type of project include various building remodels to ensure continued useability of those facilities. The estimated project cost is $600,000 with $480,000 coming from federal funding and $120,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase one Class 400 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Dial-a-Ride bus. The estimated project cost is $285,000 with all of the funding coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase 10 Class 700 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fixed route buses. The estimated project cost is $7.58 million with $6,064,000 coming from federal funding and $1,516,000 coming from local funding sources.
2029
23.Saint Cloud Metro Bus has three projects programmed to receive federal funding s programmed during fiscal year 2029. Please tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase maintenance tools and equipment. This type of equipment is used in Metro Bus's shop to assist in the diagnostics or repair of buses or facilities. The estimated project cost is $200,000 with $160,000 coming from federal funding and $40,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase office equipment, IT, and communications projects. Examples of previous types of projects include new desks and computer servers. The estimated project cost is $100,000 with $80,000 coming from federal funding and $20,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to complete some facility improvements. Examples of this type of project include various building remodels to ensure continued useability of those facilities. The estimated project cost is $1,445,000 with $1,156,000 coming from federal funding and $289,000 coming from local funding sources.
2030
24.Saint Cloud Metro Bus has three projects programmed to receive federal funding during fiscal year 2030. Please tell us how important these projects are to you and to regional transportation.
Very Important.
Important.
Somewhat Important.
A Little Important.
Not Important.
No Opinion.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase office equipment, IT, and communications projects. Examples of previous types of projects include new desks and computer servers. The estimated project cost is $17,000 with $13,600 coming from federal funding and $3,400 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to do additional facility improvements. Examples of this type of project include various building remodels to ensure continued useability of those facilities. The estimated project cost is $650,000 with $520,000 coming from federal funding and $130,000 coming from local funding sources.
Metro Bus is proposing to purchase maintenance tools and equipment. This type of equipment is used in Metro Bus's shop to assist in the diagnostics or repair of buses or facilities. The estimated project cost is $40,000 with $32,000 coming from federal funding and $8,000 coming from local funding sources.
25.If there was sufficient funding for Metro Bus to add one project to be considered for future federal transportation funding opportunities, what project would you add?
26.In thinking about the variety of ways you use the Saint Cloud region's surface transportation network (driving, walking, biking, transit), overall, how well does the region's transportation network work for you TODAY?
The network is terrible!
The network works OK. Needs improvement.
The network works perfectly!
27.What is one thing about the region's surface transportation network that you hope stays the same over the next FIVE years?
28.How does the current transportation network (roads, bridges, walking/biking infrastructure, transit, etc.) impact your daily life?
29.What do you feel should be done within the next FIVE years to improve your travel experience in the Saint Cloud area?
30.Which of the following issues do you feel needs to be the MAIN focus regarding regional transportation in the Saint Cloud area?
31.Do you have any other thoughts or comments about the draft FY 2027-2030 TIP that you would like us to know?
32.If you would like to be kept informed about the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) or other APO planning activities, please enter your email below. The APO DOES NOT sell or provide your personal information to anyone else, ever.
33.How did you hear about the APO's draft fiscal years 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program outreach efforts?
The following questions are OPTIONAL, but completing them will help us understand if we are reaching all segments of the population.
34.What is your gender?
35.In what city do you reside?
36.What is your age?
37.With what ethnicity do you most identify?
38.How many people live in your household?
39.What was your total household income last year?
40.Do you have a physical disability?
41.Where were you born?
42.What is the primary language spoken in your home?