WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation that included funding for projects to benefit Bemidji and surrounding areas. These projects, which Klobuchar and Smith worked to include, will help expand access to housing and enable key infrastructure improvements. The bill now goes to the Senate for final passage.
“From upgrading our critical infrastructure to extending support to those without housing, these projects will address key issues impacting Minnesotans in Beltrami County. The funding I secured in the federal budget will advance these projects,” said Klobuchar.
“Aging infrastructure and lack of affordable housing are two of the biggest concerns I hear from Minnesotans in the Bemidji area,” said Smith. “Improving the area’s homeless shelters and investing in our infrastructure is going to have a real impact on the lives of Minnesotans in the area.”
Klobuchar and Smith successfully secured funding for projects including:
- $1,000,000 to engineer, construct, and install a sanitary sewer system in Northern Township;
- $200,000 to help update the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless shelters in Beltrami County.
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.
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