WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $3 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to expand and upgrade a stretch of the Interstate 94 (I-94) highway in Wright County.
“This federal funding will help expand and upgrade I-94, improving safety and mobility on this critical route. I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure this funding, and I know that these resources will make a real difference for so many communities,” said Klobuchar.
“The I-94 expansion project will improve access to the Interstate and reduce traffic for those traveling throughout the region,” said Smith. “Relieving congestion and making our roadways safer and more accessible is integral to keeping communities connected to jobs, local businesses, school, health care, and other important services. I’m proud of the work we did with local leaders to secure funding for this project.”
This project continues efforts over the past decade to improve I-94 from Maple Grove through Clearwater, including an overlay from Fish Lake Interchange to West of Highway 101, the Dayton Parkway Interchange, lane expansion from St. Michael to Rogers, and reconstruction and expansion from Monticello to Clearwater. This would continue the process of clearing the bottleneck between Albertville and Monticello, and create a seamless 6-lane passage of traffic which is anticipated to result in continued economic development and increased safety.
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). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have 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.