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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

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Celebrate Award to Repair Flood Damage from Rapidan Dam Failure

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced a grant for Southeastern Minnesota to survey and repair damage done by severe storms in May 2024, which caused flooding and damage to road infrastructure in 42 counties. One notable example is the Rapidan Dam, a well-known and well-traveled-to location which was severely damaged and made the nearby bridge on County Road 9 unsafe for travelers. “The floods of May 2024 took a heavy toll on southeastern and south-central Minnesota and when natural disasters hit we need to work together to rebuild,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will allow us to repair and rebuild our roads and infrastructure, making them safer and more resilient–a critical step for our businesses and our communities to fully recover.” “Minnesotans deserve to drive on safe, reliable roads,” said Senator Smith. “As a result of the flooding last summer, that’s not the reality for some residents in the southeastern and south-central part of our state. I’m fighting to secure the funding needed from the federal government to help us recover and make travel safe and accessible.” 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 need of repair, including this one in Minnesota. The grant totals $5,000,000. ###

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Infrastructure Grants for Indian Country in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced two grants for Tribal communities in Minnesota to make several sections of highway safer and more accessible for travelers. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses everywhere–including in Tribal communities like Lower Sioux Indian Community and Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “These infrastructure projects will create good jobs, support new businesses, and make traveling safer for drivers and pedestrians.” “If we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone, then we need to prioritize investments in vital infrastructure, like highways, that connect people

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith Announce Grants to Improve Rail Safety in Metro Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced grants to three cities in the Twin Cities Metro Area to make upgrades to rail-pathways that focus on improving the safety and mobility of travelers and goods. “Blocked rail crossings not only inconvenience drivers, but also delay emergency vehicles and threaten public safety,” said Klobuchar.“This federal investment will reduce traffic, boost efficiency and improve rail crossing safety. Investments in our infrastructure serve as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of our state.” “Revitalizing our infrastructure is about more than just fixing railways or roads; it’s about

U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar Demand Answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for Cook County Postal Delays

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are demanding answers from U. S. Postal Service Postmaster General Louis DeJoy after several Minnesotans in Cook County reported not receiving mail delivery since last year. Residents were also turned away from local post offices when attempting to retrieve undelivered mail.  Minnesota-North Dakota District leadership reportedly didn’t know of the issue until Senator Smith inquired on January 8. On December 19, USPS staff assured the Senators that service in Minnesota was stable – a claim that is contradicted by the Cook County problems. The Senators are demanding answers on steps USPS plans to take to rectify the issue and prevent it from happening

Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Reconstruct Trunk Highway 19 in Northfield 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured over $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve Trunk Highway (TH) 19 in Northfield. The resources, provided through the USDOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, will widen TH 19 from two lanes to three between Decker Ave and Union Pacific Railroad. Improvements will also include a new roundabout at Armstrong Rd, better pedestrian walkways and crossings, and a new snow fence at Decker Ave. “Rebuilding our infrastructure is critical for families, workers, and businesses,” said Klobuchar. “Highway 19 is an important route

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