Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Benton County in Year End Budget

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit Benton County. These projects would invest in public infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill.

"We worked with local leaders to secure resources important to upgrading critical wastewater infrastructure in Benton County," said Klobuchar. "Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans."

"Minnesotans deserve to have safe, clean water," said Smith. "Benton County is no exception, and this investment will update the city's water and wastewater infrastructure system, directly impacting all of its residents."

Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill:

• $2,000,000 for the City of Foley for Water Treatment Plant and Well 6 Construction Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN).
• $2,000,000 for the City of Gilman to replace its wastewater collection pond and stormwater infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN).

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.

The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months.

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