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Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Eliminate Dangerous Rail Crossings in La Crescent
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $229,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the La Crescent Rail Corridor Safety Improvement Project. This project will assess safety improvements at four railway crossings in La Crescent. The plan which will reduce the total number of crossings from four to three, which will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians through this corridor. Additionally, the project will involve the installation of protective devices, signals, and signage. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in vital infrastructure like railroads to be more efficient and safer,” said Senator Smith. “These studies will help officials evaluate and improve rail crossings in La Crescent to protect residents. It’s a great investment to enhance community safety and I’m glad we were able to get it done.” This investment is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith supported and worked to pass. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized USDOT’s Rail Crossing Elimination Grant Program (RCE), which provides funding for highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that improve the safety and mobility of people and goods. Klobuchar and Smith have
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Eliminate Dangerous Rail Crossings in Central Minnesota
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for rail infrastructure projects in Central Minnesota. The TH 10 & CSAH 11 Railroad Crossing Improvement Study in Sherburne County has received $1.4 million to support grade crossing improvements in Becker Township. This at-grade intersection and BNSF rail crossing is an area of safety and mobility concern and several past studies have demonstrated the need for grade separation in several past studies. The Railroad Crossing Elimination Planning project in Douglas County has received $240,000 to evaluate alternatives for grade separation at McKay Avenue rail crossing in Alexandria. This project will develop plans to separate this crossing and improve a nearby crossing on Geneva Road. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar. “This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in vital infrastructure like railroads to be more efficient and safer,” said Senator Smith. “The upgrades in Sherburne County will make rail crossings safer for drivers and pedestrians, while the investment in Douglas County will help officials evaluate ways to reconstruct rail crossings in Alexandria to protect residents.” This investment is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both
Klobuchar, Smith Statements on Confirmation of Jerry Blackwell to be U.S. District Court Judge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) issued the following statements after the Senate confirmed Jerry Blackwell to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota. Blackwell has more than three decades of legal experience and was highly recommended by the judicial selection committee Senators Klobuchar and Smith convened to assist them in providing a recommendation to President Biden. “Jerry Blackwell is one of the most widely respected and accomplished members of the Minnesota legal community. With nearly 35 years of trial practice– including the successful prosecution of the murder of
Senator Smith, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Giving Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), introduced bipartisan legislation – the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act – aimed at giving Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding and policymaking that impacts them. “Minnesota’s Tribal Colleges are important institutions that serve Native and non-Native students alike in some of the most impoverished and geographically isolated regions of the country,” said Smith. “These institutions deserve a seat at the table when federal agencies make decisions that impact
Klobuchar, Smith, Grassley Statements on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename Federal Building in Minneapolis After Senator Paul Wellstone
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released the statements below on the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the Federal Building in Minneapolis the “Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building,” in honor of the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Senator Wellstone, his wife Sheila, his daughter Marcia, his staff members Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, and pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess. “From his passionate advocacy for better mental health care to his leadership on civil
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
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