WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation that included $5,000,000 in funding for a project to upgrade and extend Highway 29 in Benton County. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN). The bill now goes to the Senate for final passage. 

“This project will make essential upgrades to Highway 29 to improve safety and efficiency for drivers in Benton County. With the federal grant I secured, Benton County is one step closer to extending Highway 29 and delivering much needed upgrades for drivers,” said Klobuchar. 

“Our economy can only move as fast as our roads and bridges allow, and our roads and bridges have been neglected for way too long,” said Smith. “The St. Cloud metro area has grown a lot since the last time Highway 29 was extended, and this new extension will alleviate traffic and make it safer for anyone who travels through Benton 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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