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U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Celebrate Grants to Repair Flood Damage Across Chippewa and Superior National Forests
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants to the U.S. Forest Service to repair the transportation infrastructure in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that was damaged due to significant flooding and high temperature spikes in the region. “Minnesotans are still dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding and extreme heat, and the damage to our transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest has been significant,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I fought for this funding to help rebuild and make sure people who live, work, and enjoy spending time in and around our National Forests can continue to do so safely.” “Minnesotans are still struggling in the aftermath of flooding across our state, and every level of government is needed for our communities to recover,” said Senator Smith. “I have made it a priority to get funding for our damaged infrastructure to help rebuild after the flooding, and these resources for the Forest Service will make a big difference for the Minnesotans who live, work and recreate in and around our National Forests.” The first grant was awarded to the U.S. Forest Service because of significant flooding that resulted in damage to the transportation infrastructure in the Chippewa National Forest and the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin, and the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. The second grant was awarded because of high temperature spikes as much as 26 degrees above normal in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan that resulted in flood damage to the transportation infrastructure in the National Forests. The grants
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate Grant to Repair Road Damage in Nicollet County
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced a grant to repair damage done by a landslide in Nicollet County in June of 2020. The landslide occurred because of saturated soils in the riverbed combined with depleted water levels in the Minnesota River, causing damage to county road systems. The grant will reimburse the Minnesota Department of Transportation as they finish construction to stabilize the roads and the riverbanks to make the area safer and more accessible. “We’ve seen firsthand the disruptive impact of landslides and other natural disasters in Nicollet County, and how important it is for everyone to work together to rebuild,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why I fought for this funding—it means we can complete the critical work of stabilizing our roads and riverbanks, making sure they’re safe for everyone.” “Natural disasters can turn families’ worlds upside down, especially for the commuters, farmers, and students that travel across the state every day,” said Senator Smith. “When natural disasters strike, it’s important that we respond at every level of government. We’ve been fighting to secure federal funding to fix the road damage caused by the landslide, and this investment will go a long way to helping restore the roads to a stable and reliable condition for residents in Nicollet County.” The grant comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, which helps communities repair roads damaged by natural disasters. In December 2024, Senators Klobuchar and Smith supported emergency supplemental funding for this program to address the backlog of roads in
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Eliminate Dangerous Rail Crossings in La Crescent
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $229,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the La Crescent Rail Corridor Safety Improvement Project. This project will assess safety improvements at four railway crossings in La Crescent. The plan which will reduce the total number of crossings from four to three, which will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians through this corridor. Additionally, the project will involve the installation of protective devices, signals, and signage. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said
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
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
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Significant Federal Funding to Support Community Land Bridge Project in St. Paul’s Rondo Neighborhood
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded ReConnect Rondo $2 million in federal funding to support the completion of the steps needed to advance the Rondo Community Land Bridge Project. ReConnect Rondo is a community-based organization in St. Paul working on a restorative development project to create a land bridge over the interstate to support economic growth and provide space for affordable housing, small businesses, parks, and more. The Rondo neighborhood is a center of the Black community in St. Paul and lost more than 1,000 homes and businesses
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