Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for the Iron Range 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 Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees include projects to benefit the Iron Range. These projects would invest in public infrastructure and local law enforcement. 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.

"From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing in better tools for law enforcement, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to the Iron Range," said Klobuchar. "Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans."

"Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs folks on the Iron Range," said Smith. "From updating our water infrastructure in Ely, Hibbing, Keewatin, Coleraine, Eveleth and Mountain Iron to fixing Nashwauk's infrastructure plans, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law."

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

• $750,000 for the Mountain Iron/Eveleth for Watermain Loop Project. The funds would be used for the installation of five miles of water main from Mountain Iron to Eveleth, MN. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $1,000,000 for the City of Coleraine for reconstructing sewer, water, storm sewer, and street infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $750,000 for the City of Keewatin for replacement of water/sewage infrastructure. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $2,000,000 for the City of Ely for Water Intake and Burntside Lake Water Main Replacement. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $2,000,000 for the City of Hibbing for Water Treatment Improvement and Expansion Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $1,000,000 for the City of Nashwauk's Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $315,000 for the City of Cook's Wastewater Treatment Pond Reconstruction Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (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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