Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for St. Louis County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $10,580,000 in funding to advance public safety and water infrastructure projects throughout St. Louis County. The legislation now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"From upgrading our water infrastructure to modernizing our police records management, the federal funding we secured will improve public services and infrastructure St. Louis County residents count on. I look forward to seeing all the good these projects will do," said Klobuchar.

"These projects come from the people closest to the community, and they address each community's unique needs," said Smith. "From delivering clean drinking water to improving public safety, these investments are going to make life healthier and better for Minnesotans."

• $330,000 to the City of Cook to improve the wastewater treatment system, specifically to prevent the failure of dike walls.

• $1,750,000 to the City of Duluth to repair the Lakewood water treatment plant.

• $2,000,000 to the City of Ely to improve the water intake structure, water main, and water treatment facility.

• $1,500,000 to the City of Floodwood to improve their water infrastructure, specifically to extend water lines to new building sites.

• $1,000,000 to Hibbing's Public Utilities Commission to support rehabilitation and replacement projects for drinking water infrastructure.

• $4,000,000 to St. Louis County to create Minnesota's largest public safety records consortium and improve public safety. This nineteen-county collaboration will enable seamless sharing of 911 communications records.

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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