WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $4.4 million in federal funding to strengthen wastewater infrastructure in Bemidji.
Specifically, the funding will enable the Bemidji Wastewater Treatment Facility to conduct much-needed infrastructure repairs, expand capacity to boost operational efficiency, and ensure that the facility is able to meet treatment demand.
“Updating wastewater infrastructure is essential to ensuring the health and safety of our communities. This funding will make a real difference for Bemidji, enabling critical improvements to the city’s water treatment facilities,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources and I look forward to continuing to partner with those in the community to address infrastructure needs.”
“It may not be the flashiest project, but updating the wastewater treatment facility is critically important for those in and around Bemidji,” said Smith. “I am proud of our work to secure this funding, which will have a direct impact on the lives of Minnesotans.”
“Improving our outdated wastewater treatment facility is critical to our city. By strengthening our water systems, this funding will help ensure the safety of our community and benefit the environment – a true win-win,” said Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince. “We are grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for their leadership and for being valued partners in advancing Bemidji’s priorities.”
Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.
Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.
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