Projects will support infrastructure improvements, health care access, and workforce development programs 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured significant federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) federal budget for local projects benefiting St. Cloud and the surrounding area. These projects will enable key infrastructure improvements, expand access to health care, and support workforce development programs. 

“From infrastructure improvements to expanding access to health care and supporting workforce development programs, these projects will help address key issues impacting Minnesotans on a daily basis. I am proud to have worked with local leaders to secure this funding, and I know that these resources will make a real difference for so many communities across St. Cloud,” said Klobuchar. 

“This is significant funding we’re bringing to St. Cloud and Central Minnesota to support workforce development, invest in health care education and facility upgrades, expand housing and shelter services, and make key infrastructure improvements,” said Smith. “These projects are going to touch the lives of so many people who call this region home and I'm proud of the work we did with local leaders to bring federal dollars here.”  

Funding secured by Klobuchar and Smith will help further the following priorities:

Expanding access to health care 

  • $1.34 million for the Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center Campus to conduct renovations and acquire medical equipment, allowing for more centralized services and increased community access to health providers.

Improving infrastructure and water systems

  • $2.5 million for Brooten to expand drinking water and wastewater service to all the residents within city limits.
  • $1.25 million for Stearns County to make resurfacing and safety improvements on County Road 120, a key route connecting St. Cloud Hospital to several medical facilities. 
  • $800,000 for the Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization to conduct an environmental assessment, facilitating the eventual construction of the St. Cloud Mississippi River Crossing. 

Supporting workforce development opportunities 

  • $950,000 to support Saint Cloud Technical & Community College’s Licensed Practical Nursing Refugee Career Pathways Program, which helps refugees gain the tools they need to pursue nursing careers. 

“I’m grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for securing this investment for St. Cloud. This funding will help us upgrade key infrastructure, strengthen our health care workforce, and more,” said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. “I look forward to seeing its positive impact on our community and region.”

“CentraCare, and the communities we serve, are deeply grateful to Senator Klobuchar and Senator Smith for securing funds in support of CentraCare’s Child Advocacy Center, which provides critically important services to victims of child abuse. Funds will be used to expand the CAC to the CentraCare Health Plaza, a location much better suited to the collaborative and sensitive nature of this work. The CAC partners with law enforcement, child protection, county attorneys, advocates, mental health and medical professionals to ensure children tell their story only once—in a safe, expanded, comfortable space that everyone wishes we did not need at all,” said CentraCare CEO and President Dr. Kenneth Holmen.

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.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.

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