Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Rehabilitating the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $11,200,000 for the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. The grant, provided through USDOT’s RAISE program, will rehabilitate this historic bridge, including surface preparation and repainting, lead abatement, replacement of deteriorated sections, miscellaneous structural steel repairs, repairs to spalled and delaminated concrete, and replacement of the bridge sidewalks. It builds on the $1,500,000 in total funding secured for the Aerial Lift Bridge’s pedestrian walkways by Senators Klobuchar and Smith in Fiscal Years 2022, 2023, and 2024. “The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is a landmark and a vital part of Duluth’s transportation system,” said Klobuchar. “It is not only a critical link for drivers, but also supports essential infrastructure such as water, sewage, natural gas, electrical, and data services, and provides ships key access to the Twin Ports. With this grant, the City of Duluth will make critical infrastructure improvements to make the Aerial Lift Bridge resilient for generations to come.” “The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is an iconic and historic piece of infrastructure that has connected communities and supported local businesses for over a century,” said Smith. “Securing resources for projects like this is important for strengthening Minnesota’s infrastructure and economy. This funding will support the critical repairs and upgrades needed to ensure the bridge remains operational for years to come.” “The City of Duluth is thrilled to receive this $11.2 million RAISE grant from the US Department of Transportation,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “The Aerial Lift Bridge
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Celebrate Historic Investment in State’s Largest Electric Co-Op for Affordable, Clean Energy
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN), celebrated historic funding for clean, reliable and low-cost energy for rural Minnesotans. Connexus Energy will use funding secured by Senators Smith and Klobuchar to produce over 280 megawatts of clean energy through hydro, solar and wind energy that will lower costs for its 146,000 members in rural Minnesota while supporting 400 jobs. With $170 million in funding, these projects will reduce climate pollution by more than 1.1 million tons of harmful, climate-warming emissions each year. Minnesota’s electric cooperatives provide electricity to nearly one-third of the state. Connexus is based in Ramsey, Minnesota and serves 146,000 members across Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. “The clean energy transition is here, and we can either lead or follow. I want Minnesota to lead, and with this announcement, we will,” said Senator Smith. “With this investment, cooperatives can unleash clean energy in a way that works best for their communities. This will fight climate change. This will lower energy costs. And this will strengthen our energy security and resilience by ensuring our rural communities continue to have safe, reliable and clean, American-made energy for years to come.” “Domestically produced renewable power strengthens our energy independence and boosts rural economies,” said Senator Klobuchar. “These Empowering Rural America Program grants will lower rural energy costs, create good paying jobs, and support renewable energy projects in Minnesota and across the country.” Senator Smith was instrumental in securing this funding for rural electric co-ops through her
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bipartisan Mental Health Care Measures Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/13/23] — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced two of her bipartisan mental health care bills were signed into law by President Biden two weeks ago. The provisions will take important steps to address the mental health crisis and improve Tribal health services. “I know firsthand the importance of mental health services. These measures will help expand access to mental health care in Minnesota and across this country,” said Sen. Smith. “It gives us the tools to make significant progress tackling the mental health crisis, upholding our commitments to Tribal Nations, and more.” Provisions based on Smith’s Improving Access
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Applauds Passage of Key Tribal Priorities From Mental Health Care to Homeownership in Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. [1/13/23] — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) applauded the bipartisan government funding bill, which includes a number of key Tribal provisions she has authored or championed. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which was signed into law by President Biden two weeks ago, will take important steps to help Native families achieve homeownership, provide culturally competent mental and behavioral health services, and provide adequate funding for the Indian Health Service. “This bill is a historic investment in hard working families in Minnesota and across this country,” said Sen. Smith. “It gives us the tools to make significant progress on upholding our
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Access to Drinking Water in Otsego
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $3.4 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to improve access to drinking water in Otsego. Specifically, these resources will enable the design and construction of a drinking water treatment plant for the city. “This project will enable critical improvements to Otsego’s water infrastructure that will boost the health and safety of families across the city,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure this funding, and I know that these resources will make a real difference in
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Improve Access to Drinking Water in Lafayette
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $1 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to improve access to drinking water in Lafayette. Specifically, these resources will be used to expand the city’s drinking and wastewater services to all residents within the city limits. “By expanding access to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, this project will help boost the health and safety of so many families in Lafayette,” said Klobuchar. “I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure this funding, and I know that these resources will
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