WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has granted the City of Benson more than $1.4 million in federal funding for flood protection infrastructure.

“When we invest in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, we invest in a safer community that will benefit future generations,” Senator Klobuchar said. “This funding will make the city of Benson more resilient to flooding, helping to protect Minnesotans’ health while supporting the local economy.”

“Infrastructure throughout Minnesota has long been in need of repair and we can’t just leave it to municipalities to foot the bill,” Senator Smith said. “I’m glad that this federal grant will go a long way to help Benson manage flooding and likely create jobs for the city.”

This funding will help build an enclosed flood protection system for the city’s wastewater treatment plant and replace wastewater pipes to a local industrial park to protect businesses and residents during floods. 

The EDA grant will be matched with more than $353,400 in local investments. It is expected to create and retain jobs and spur $60 million in private investment.

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