Klobuchar, Smith Secure Federal Funding for Lake of the Woods County in Senate-Passed Legislation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Congress approved $1,000,000 in funding for Lake of the Woods County to acquire a specialized vessel for aquatic emergency response, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and public safety enforcement. The legislation now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"Lake of the Woods County is in one of the most remote and difficult-to-access areas in the contiguous United States, making it harder for first responders to reach people in need of emergency assistance," said Klobuchar. "Using the federal funding we secured, the county will purchase an emergency response vessel to improve public safety operations and response times."

"I'm glad to have worked with local officials to secure funding for this critical, specialized public safety equipment to help in urgent, high-stakes water rescue missions," said Smith. "This equipment will help in dangerous search and rescue missions and ultimately save lives."

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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