​ST. PAUL — Additional Minnesota State Patrol troopers will be patrolling highways and interstates around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro area starting today as the Minneapolis Aquatennial continues. 

The additional troopers will perform their regular duties on the highways and interstates, and stand ready to support the city of Minneapolis to help ensure people enjoy the annual summer event throughout the weekend.   

“We want people to see our squads and think twice before making a potentially deadly decision," said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “The Minneapolis Aquatennial draws visitors from all over the Twin Cities. The high-visibility enforcement that is part of Project 20(23) will help keep motorists safe as they travel to and from the event."

Project 20(23) is focused on looking for the most dangerous driving behaviors — speed, impairment, distraction and lack of seat belt use.

The two other Project 20(23) extra enforcement efforts this summer were in the Brainerd Lakes area and the east metro. Troopers stopped 1,095 vehicles, made seven DWI arrests, and issued 795 speed warnings and tickets.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Minnesota State Patrol

Nearly 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers are the foundation of the agency that works to provide a safe environment on Minnesota's roads by assisting motorists, taking enforcement action and educating drivers about traffic safety issues. In addition to road safety activities, troopers conduct flight patrols, search and rescue missions and assist other law enforcement agencies.