Klobuchar, Smith Call on Federal Highway Administration to Allow St. Louis County to Use Project Labor Agreements

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are calling on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve the use of Project Labor Agreements for five projects that have been awarded federal funds to St. Louis County.

"We write to request your prompt approval of the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for five projects for which St. Louis County, Minnesota has been awarded federal funds," wrote the Senators. "These funds will improve the County's roadways and provide good-paying construction jobs."

"St. Louis County has a longstanding policy that requires PLAs on large road and bridge projects. In August 2025, the County submitted PLAs for these projects to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is awaiting approval to ensure the projects remain eligible for FHWA funding. The swift approval is crucial to prevent further delays in getting these projects bid and construction started during Minnesota's weather-constrained construction season," the Senators continued.

The full text of the letter is below and can be found here.

Dear Administrator McMaster:

We write to request your prompt approval of the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for five projects for which St. Louis County, Minnesota has been awarded federal funds. These funds will improve the County's roadways and provide good-paying construction jobs.

St. Louis County has a longstanding policy that requires PLAs on large road and bridge projects. In August 2025, the County submitted PLAs for these projects to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is awaiting its approval to ensure the projects remain eligible for the use of FHWA funding. The swift approval is crucial to prevent further delays in getting these projects bid and construction started during Minnesota's weather-constrained construction season.

Please find below the list of projects awaiting approval of the use of PLAs:

? County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 21

? CSAH 84 (Hobson Lake Road)

? CSAH 88 (Grant McMahan Blvd)

? CSAH 91 (40th Avenue West)

? CSAH 98 (Canosia Road)

We respectfully request that PLAs be approved for these projects as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

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