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 isn't just a bridge - it's a cherished Minnesota icon, a significant entryway to the Port of Duluth-Superior, and a critical point of connection for residents and visitors alike. Along with funding from our State partners, this RAISE grant almost completes funding for this $20M project. Thank you to our congressional delegation and the US Department of Transportation for recognizing how important this project is to our city and region."

"This RAISE grant is crucial to the completion of much needed and deferred improvements to the Aerial Lift Bridge-an historic landmark and gateway to the port," said Duluth Public Works Director Jim Benning. "In one fell swoop, the City of Duluth will replace pedestrian walkways, replace the bridge deck, apply new protective paint to the bridge, and make other structural improvements. We are grateful to our federal partners for their support of this infrastructure, crucial to both vehicular and maritime traffic."

RAISE grants can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the RAISE grants, as well as resources for improving the state's roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.

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