WASHINGTON, [8.17.22] – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $12 million in federal funding to Hennepin County to enhance the roadway along the Lake Street corridor in Minneapolis. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will help alleviate traffic congestion, improve the efficiency of public transportation, and make the street more accessible for people with disabilities.
“Lake Street is the heart of South Minneapolis, with its restaurants, shops, and businesses attracting customers from across the Twin Cities,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help boost public transit access and reduce traffic on one of Minneapolis’ busiest roads, allowing more people to safely and efficiently reach Lake Street.”
“Lake Street is one of Minneapolis’ most cherished areas. It’s always busy with people enjoying the restaurants, small businesses, and cultural organizations stretching from Bde Maka Ska to the Mississippi River,” said Smith, chair of the Transit Subcommittee. “This investment will improve the efficiency of public transportation by adding bus lanes, reduce traffic congestion with the addition of turn lanes, and make critical ADA improvements to ensure people of all abilities can safely access and enjoy all that Lake Street has to offer.”
These resources will allow Minneapolis to repave the road, construct turn lanes, create bus-only lanes, and allow 4-to-3 lane conversions to boost safety and improve traffic flow. The funding will also allow for important American with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades, including adding pedestrian ramps and Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push button stations.
RAISE grants can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of projects with significant local or regional impact. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law last year, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the RAISE grants, as well as resources for improving the state’s roads, bridges, public transportation, and Minnesota’s water infrastructure.
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