Oberstar, who passed away May 3rd, was born in Chisholm and represented the people of Northern Minnesota for 36 years

Lawmakers have also introduced a bill to rename the Chisolm Post Office after the former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; that bill passed the Senate last week

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken along with Representative Rick Nolan announced that their bill to rename a portion of Interstate 35 in memory of former Representative Jim Oberstar has passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Oberstar, who passed away May 3rd, was born in Chisholm and represented the people of Northern Minnesota for 36 years. The stretch of Interstate 35 from Forest Lake to Duluth will be named the "James L. Oberstar Memorial Highway".

“Jim was a man of purpose who never stopped fighting for the people of northern Minnesota,” Klobuchar said. “His fingerprints can be found on just about every major federally funded transportation project during the last five decades. Every American who drives our roads can thank Jim Oberstar, and today’s action ensures that this highway will stand as a lasting tribute to his dedication and service.”

“My friend Jim Oberstar—a consummate public servant and a remarkable man—knew more about transportation than anyone in this country,” Franken said. “Jim left an unparalleled legacy, in both Minnesota and all across the country, and it’s only fitting to remember his name by marking this highway in his honor.”

“This is such a fitting tribute. From border to border and sea to shining sea, our interstate highway system is Jim Oberstar’s lasting legacy for America,” Nolan said. “Over 36 years of service in Congress – and most especially as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee – no one worked harder to build and improve our infrastructure than Jim Oberstar. And soon, everyone who heads north on Highway I-35 from Forest Lake to Duluth will be reminded of his great contributions.”

The lawmakers have also introduced a bill to rename the Chisolm Post Office after the former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. That legislation passed the Senate last week.

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