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Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Funding to Improve Water Systems in Faribault County

WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/01/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $4 million in federal funding to replace and improve the wastewater system in the city of Kiester, Minnesota. The project will replace outdated, fractured pipes and provide maintenance improvements to the water treatment facility. “Upgrading our wastewater infrastructure is essential to the health and safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “By enabling key improvements to the city’s water treatment facilities and systems, these resources will make a real difference for families in Kiester.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating outdated water systems and wastewater treatment facilities will make a real difference for those in and around the city of Kiester,” said Smith. “I am proud of our work to secure infrastructure investments like this one and will continue working with local leaders across Minnesota to address infrastructure needs of all shapes and sizes.”  The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. Within the past five years, multiple fractures, holes, and blockages were reported in the pipes. This project will benefit over 500 Minnesotans in Faribault County by replacing the waste water collection system and providing maintenance improvements to the water treatment facility.

Klobuchar, Smith Announce Significant Funding to Improve Water Systems in Renville County

WASHINGTON, D.C. [12/01/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $830,00 in federal funding to replace and improve water and sewage systems in the city of Olivia, Minnesota. The project will replace deteriorated storm drainage systems, hydrants, and water and sewer mains. “When we invest in wastewater infrastructure and storm drainage systems, we invest in the safety of our communities,” said Klobuchar. “These resources will enable key upgrades to Olivia’s outdated water treatment facilities and storm pipes, helping to protect the health and safety of families across the city.” “It may not be the flashiest project, but updating outdated water systems will make a real difference for those in and around Renville County,” said Smith. “I am proud of our work to secure infrastructure investments like this one and will continue working with local leaders across Minnesota to address infrastructure needs of all shapes and sizes.”  The investment is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. The sewer system in the city of Olivia was constructed in the 1930s and ninety percent of the system in line to be replaced is over 70 years old. The project will replace deteriorated water and sewer lines as well as storm drainage systems and hydrants. Over 2,500 Minnesotans in Renville County will benefit from these improvements.

Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Legislation to Support Farm Conservation Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/21/18]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently introduced legislation that would help farmers create and maintain plans to improve soil and water quality on farms in Minnesota and across the country. Sen. Smith’s bill would also streamline coordination between two leading conservation programs in the Farm Bill. The Strengthening Our Investment in Land (SOIL) Stewardship Act would improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)—which helps farmers create conservation plans to address natural resource concerns and improve soil and water quality—and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) aimed at making it possible for farmers to maintain their conservation systems. Through the SOIL Stewardship Act, family

Sen. Tina Smith, Former MN Planned Parenthood Exec, Says Proposed Trump Reproductive Health Rule An “Affront to Women”

WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/22/18]—Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith released the following statement on President Trump’s proposal to place restrictions on federal family planning money, which would bar health care providers participating in the Title X program from exploring all of a woman’s health care options with patients in Minnesota and across the nation. “This proposed rule is an affront to women. Family planning is key to women’s economic opportunity, and I trust women and families to make their own decisions about their reproductive health care. Deciding whether or when to start a family has a big impact on other important life

Sens. Smith, Jones, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Rural Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/22/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith joined Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to introduce bipartisan legislation—the Rural Health Liaison Act—to better coordinate rural health resources across the federal government and improve health care delivery for Minnesotans and people across the country living in rural areas. The Rural Health Liaison Act would create a liaison within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies on rural health issues. You can learn more about the bill by clicking here. “When I meet with farmers, and rural business and community

Sen. Tina Smith Leads 23 Senators in Calling to Protect Minor Children Left Alone When Parents are Arrested or Detained By U.S. Immigration Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. [05/23/18]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith introduced legislation—also supported by Minnesota colleague Sen. Amy Klobuchar—that would protect the safety and well-being of minor children who have been left alone and vulnerable after their parents have been arrested or detained by U.S. immigration authorities. Sen. Smith believes the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act is necessary because in the past children have been abandoned at home or at school after their parents’ detention, often without information about their parents’ location and without adequate arrangements for their care. She understands that with the Trump administration reportedly seeking to step up

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