WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured significant federal funding for local projects benefiting Duluth. These projects will make necessary infrastructure improvements to the historic Aerial Lift Bridge and bolster the city’s public safety by modernizing the Duluth Police Department’s automated 9-1-1 emergency response system.
“This federal funding will have a real impact for Duluth. From helping revitalize the historic Aerial Lift Bridge to strengthening the city’s 9-1-1 emergency response system, this funding will address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with Mayor Larson and other leaders in Duluth to secure the resources for these projects, and I look forward to seeing all the good they will do,” said Klobuchar.
“These investments are a big win for Duluth,” said Smith. “These projects will help improve public safety and revitalize key local infrastructure. I am particularly proud of our work to secure this funding, which will directly improve the lives of Minnesotans.”
“I’ve long said that we can see the lighthouse on the horizon as we continue to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. With this funding for Duluth, that has never been more true,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “Thank you to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for helping to secure this funding and fighting for Minnesotans in Washington every day.”
Specifically, the senators secured $500,000 in funding for infrastructure improvements to the historic Aerial Lift Bridge, and $750,000 in funding for modernizing the Duluth Police Department’s automated 9-1-1 emergency response system.
Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). Throughout the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.
Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.
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