Latest Releases
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 Secure Significant Federal Funding to Eliminate Dangerous Rail Crossings in Northern 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 Northern Minnesota. The Midway Road (CSAH 13) Railroad Crossing Elimination Planning and Development project has received $1.8 million to provide a long-term multimodal freight solution improving safety, reliability, and efficiency along the CN rail corridor and the Midway Road (CSAH 13) corridor, benefiting the entire region’s transportation network. The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Moorhead to Duluth Corridor Crossing Elimination and Improvement Study has received $800,000 to study crossings along a 250-mile stretch of the BNSF Railway Northern Transcontinental Line within Minnesota, which will evaluate existing conditions, identify alternatives, and develop a corridor project inventory to improve safety. “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.” “Northern Minnesota relies on freight rail to transport goods, especially to the Port of Duluth where our goods travel to all corners of the world,” said Senator Smith. “Making the railroads more efficient and safer will boost the Northland’s economy for decades, and is exactly the kind of smart investment we should be making to improve the lives of Minnesotans.” This investment is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both Klobuchar and Smith supported and worked to
Senator Tina Smith Applauds New Equity Commission on Rural Community Economic Development
WASHINGTON, [8.26.22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) applauded the appointment of 12 members to the newly established Equity Commission Subcommittee on Rural Community Economic Development (RCED) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Among the 12 appointees is Minnesotan Cheryal Hills. The Commission was created as part of the American Rescue Plan, which Senator Smith helped pass earlier this year. “Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Sen. Smith. “In the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have pushed to make federal programs that help farmers more accessible for underserved communities. I am glad to see this commission, which was
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Joins USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small for Visits to Wadena and Menahga
MINNEOSTA — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) joined United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to visit Wadena and Menahga in Central Minnesota. Photo and video footage from the visits can be found here. They started the day in Wadena, where they toured Tri-County Health Care’s new $72 million project. Named Astera Health, this will be a new 125,900 square-foot facility designed to integrate new technology, create a healthy environment that improves the patient experience and efficiency for staff, and ensure a sustainable future for health care in the area. Tri-County Health Care received
Senators Klobuchar, Smith Announce Funding to Modernize Public Transit in Native Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. [8.18.22] – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced that over $5.9 million in federal grants have been awarded to Tribal communities in Minnesota to upgrade and modernize their public transit systems. Specifically, the White Earth Nation will receive $3.6 million for new public transit facilities, the Prairie Island Indian Community will receive $1.6 million for electric buses, and $739,500 will go to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa for low-emission buses and filling stations. “Investments in public transit help reduce traffic and make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for New Transit Facility on the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Reservation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $9.5 million in federal funding, provided through USDOT’s RAISE grant program, to help the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa construct a new transit facility. This new facility will feature a non-traditional design to parallel park buses and maximize the use of the space. “Investments in public transit infrastructure make it easier for Minnesotans to get to school, work, and other destinations,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help modernize the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa’s transit infrastructure and
English