U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

01/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/20/2026 18:08

Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Brainerd in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $500,000 in funding to the Brainerd Historic Water Tower Preservation Committee to restore the exterior stucco surface of the historic water tower. The legislation now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"The historic Brainerd Water Tower has been a fixture in the area, welcoming visitors to Brainerd since it was completed in 1920," said Klobuchar. "The federal funding we secured will help the Brainerd Historic Water Tower Preservation Committee repair and maintain this iconic landmark."

"The Brainerd water tower is an historic symbol of the city, and it needs to be restored," said Smith. "I'm so glad to have secured funding to preserve this iconic landmark for generations to come."

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 Minnesota. That process includes a careful vetting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure projects are cost-effective, reliable, and well-planned.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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