Congress Passed Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured by Klobuchar, Smith

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they secured $1,000,000 in funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget for the Rice Street Visioning and Reconstructing project in Ramsey County. The funding will enable right-of-way acquisition, corridor reconstruction, utility replacements and upgrades, transit amenities, and streetscape enhancements. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN).

“Rice Street is a hub for residents, visitors, and businesses in Saint Paul but the current roadway is aging and in need of upgrades,” said Klobuchar. “With this federal grant, Ramsey County and the city of Saint Paul will have the resources needed to advance the reconstruction project to improve Rice Street.”

“In order to build an economy that works for everyone, we must invest in crucial infrastructure,” said Smith. “This project for Rice Street will make the area safer, more efficient, and more functional for residents and businesses.”

Beginning just north of the Minnesota Capitol, CSAH 49 (Rice Street) connects downtown Saint Paul to Maplewood, Roseville, and other suburbs. It is a major transportation corridor and activity hub in Ramsey County, connecting 8,500 residents and 7,500 employees to 300 businesses, services, and institutions. It's a regionally significant route that carries 15,000 vehicles a day, including significant heavy freight traffic.

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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