Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Duluth International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $9,478,180 to reconstruct 10,600 feet of Taxiway A. The pavement on Taxiway A has reached the end of its useful life and it no longer meets current FAA standards. The Duluth International Airport is undertaking a phased, multiyear project to reconstruct the taxiway. “Duluth International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses across Northeast Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates so that the airfield meets the needs of larger civilian aircraft and the 148th Fighter Wing, ensuring the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. Small and regional airports like Duluth International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving a taxiway so it is safe and functional for travelers.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Crookston Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Crookston Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $455,192 for a new 418 foot taxiway to provide airfield access to the site of a future hangar to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction. “Crookston Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Polk County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Crookston Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards making much needed infrastructure updates to the runway and surrounding areas.” This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings. ###
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bill to Give Justice to Survivors of Sexual Violence in Native American Communities Takes Key Step Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. [2/10/22] —Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said her bill to restore Tribal Nations’ rights to prosecute crimes of sexual violence—including assault, trafficking and stalking—took a key step forward in the Senate. Currently, Native communities cannot prosecute those crimes if they are committed by a non-Native member on Tribal land. Sen. Smith, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said her bill “Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act” was included in the legislation that will reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, legislation that expired in 2019. Sen. Smith’s bill aims to ensure justice for Native
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Announces $1 Billion Investment in Climate-Smart Farming
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/09/22]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced $1 billion in funding for a new program that will support climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in Minnesota and across the country. As part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. Senator Smith encourages eligible public and private entities in Minnesota to apply now that project applications are
Klobuchar, Smith Applaud Plans to Ease Port Congestion and Restore Disrupted Shipping Services for U.S.-Grown Agricultural Commodities
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/08/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, applauded a new partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Port of Oakland, which will relieve congestion and help restore disrupted shipping nationwide. The move will make it easier for agricultural companies to fill empty shipping containers with commodities, benefitting Minnesota farmers and improving service for shippers of U.S.- grown agricultural commodities. “Increasing port capacity is critical to helping Minnesota farmers and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “I’ve introduced legislation to ease port congestion and will keep fighting to improve
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Major Federal Funding For AmeriCorps Seniors in Minnesota
WASHINGTON, D.C. [02/08/22]—Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.) announced new federal funding for AmeriCorps Seniors in Minnesota. The program will receive over $600,000 in American Rescue Plan funding. The award significantly expands AmeriCorps’ ability to bolster local communities’ COVID-19 response and support critical public health needs as the country works to recover from the pandemic. “National service programs represent the best of our country, with Senior Corps members playing an important role as volunteers and community leaders,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will increase opportunities for seniors to remain engaged and connected to their communities through volunteering.