Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Duluth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $24.9 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in Duluth. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will revitalize a two-mile section of West Superior Street by replacing outdated utilities systems, expanding broadband connectivity, and building electrical vehicle charging stations. “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will make a real difference for communities in Duluth, enabling critical infrastructure improvements that will strengthen downtown, while helping to replace aging utilities and increasing broadband connectivity for local businesses and residents.” “Minnesota is paving the way to a clean energy future and this project exemplifies Duluth’s commitment to prioritizing the environment while upgrading the city’s infrastructure,” said Smith. “From installing electric vehicle charging stations to investing in green infrastructure and expanding access to broadband, this project will both make critical improvements to the city’s infrastructure while remaining committed to the future of our planet. I’m glad we’re able to be a partner at the federal level to ensure this project gets done.” “I am deeply grateful to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for understanding the value of this enormous investment in our community,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “This is a highly competitive grant process – receiving this RAISE grant is a truly monumental achievement and speaks to the commitment our Senators have to Duluth
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Plymouth
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in Plymouth. Specifically, the grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will allow the City of Plymouth to improve road safety and accessibility around a stretch of Highway 55, strengthening connectivity between Plymouth and the Twin Cities. “Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help make the roads safer and more accessible in my hometown of Plymouth, reducing traffic congestion and allowing Minnesotans to more easily get to work, school, and other destinations.” “Plymouth is one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota, making this project a critical investment in reducing traffic, improving access to public transportation, and prioritizing pedestrian safety,” said Smith, chair of the Transit Subcommittee. “Investing in infrastructure is about more than just fixing roadways and bridges; it’s about improving people’s lives and that’s exactly what this project will do. I’m glad we’re able to be a partner at the federal level to ensure this gets done.” The resources will help construct a pedestrian and cycling route across Highway 55 in Plymouth, addressing the current safety hazards and accessibility obstacles that cause traffic delays, and enable better access to city parks, local businesses, transit stations, and the Twin Cities. RAISE grants can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of
U.S Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Emissions from Fossil Fuels
Senators’ Bill Would Modernize Tax Credit to Better Support Carbon Capture and Storage for Coal Power Plants WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/11/19]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) recently led a bipartisan effort with Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel producers by creating additional incentives for utilities to install carbon capture and storage technology. The Carbon Capture Modernization Act updates the tax credit system for coal producers and incentivizes the usage of modern technology to return harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the ground, rather than releasing them into atmosphere. Sen. Smith introduced similar legislation last year with former Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. “Climate change will continue to threaten our
U.S Senator Tina Smith Addresses the 2019 National Congress of American Indians Tribal Nations Policy Summit
Senator Tells National Congress of American Indians She’ll Press Legislation to Provide Budget Certainty for Critical Programs, Address Violence Against Tribal Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/12/19]—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) addressed Native American leaders from around the country during the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Tribal Nations Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said she will continue efforts to ensure budget certainty for critical tribal programs and address violence—particularly sexual violence—against Native communities. “Let me be clear: the federal government abdicates its trust responsibility when lapses in federal funding force tribes to fill in the gaps
U.S. Senator Tina Smith In Floor Speech: “Contractors Have Been Left Out in The Cold, With No Back Pay”
**VIDEO RELEASE** WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/14/19]–Today, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) expressed disappointment that her bipartisan legislation is not included in the budget agreement to avoid another shutdown, but said she will keep fighting for these workers. In the speech, Sen. Smith reiterated her willingness to work with the White House and fellow congressional leaders so that steps can be taken to improve the bill and ultimately be passed into law. You can download video of Sen. Smith’s speech here[TK]. “During the longest federal government shutdown in history, thousands of Americans who serve as contractors to the federal government lost over
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith’s Joint Statement on Need to Fix Boundary Waters Reservation System
After Pressing Forest Service on Online Permitting Failure, Senators Say Delayed Relaunch of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Reservations is Unacceptable WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/22/2019]—Today, Minnesota’s U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith released the following statement after the United States Forest Service announced yesterday that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) online reservation system launch will be delayed an additional week. Sens. Klobuchar and Smith—who last month called on the U.S. Forest Service to address technical difficulties with the new online reservation system for distributing BWCAW permits—called the delayed relaunch “unacceptable,” and said they will continue to press the Trump Administration
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