Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Senator Klobuchar Secures $271.9 Million for Minnesota Transportation Projects

Transportation bill includes $195 million for I-35 bridge funding, $55 Million for Northstar Commuter Rail

November 13, 2007

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that Minnesota will receive over $271.9 million for 17 Minnesota initiatives as part of the Transportation, Housing and
Urban Development bill, H.R. 3074, that passed out of conference committee today.

The bill also includes an amendment offered by Senators Klobuchar and Coleman to fund the remaining balance of the $250 million authorized by the Senate earlier this year in the wake of the I-35 bridge collapse.  Minnesota has already received $55 million of this authorization, which was secured immediately following the collapse of the bridge. The Klobuchar Amendment secures the remaining $195 million as part of the Transportation Appropriation Bill.

“The day after our tragedy, I said that a bridge in America just shouldn’t fall down – and when one does fall down, we must rebuild it,” said Klobuchar. “With construction of the new bridge just underway, I’m pleased we were able to move so quickly to secure the funds to rebuild.  It’s a testament to our commitment to rebuild our bridge and our community.”

Klobuchar also secured $55 million for the construction of the Northstar Corridor Rail Project between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis.

“With the number of businesses and drivers along the 94 corridor increasing at a rapid rate, the necessity for alternative travel ways is vital,” said Klobuchar. "I am proud to have helped secure funding for a light rail from the Twin Cities to Big Lake. When completed, this commuter rail will make for a reliable, gridlock free trip for thousands of travelers each day.”

The Northstar Corridor Rail project funding will go to the first phase of construction on a commuter rail from the Twin Cities northwest to Big Lake. The 40-mile line will have station stops in Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Elk River. The proposed schedule will include five inbound and one outbound trip each weekday morning and five outbound and one inbound trip each weekday afternoon. The project also includes a five block extension of the Hiawatha light-rail train line to reach the downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station.

Klobuchar also urged President Bush to sign the bill into law stating,

“I urge the President to fulfill the commitment he made to Minnesota when he visited after the collapse of the I-35W bridge and sign this bill into law.”

Additionally, Klobuchar secured funding for the following projects:

• $10.4 million for the Central Corridor Light Rail in Ramsey County.

• $335,000 for the Bemidji Regional Airport for development of water supply lines, sewage and drainage systems and roads necessary to support light manufacturing firms currently expressing interest in starting or expanding into the area.

• $670,000 for the Union Depot Multi-Modal Transit Hub Project in St. Paul, Minnesota.

• $1.34 million for the Blue Earth CSAH 12 Extension/TH 14 Interchange Project.

• $3 million for Greater Minnesota Transit Bus facility.

• $1.125 million for St. Cloud Regional Airport for future airport development.

• $670,000 for the US Highway 212 Expansion from Chaska to Norwood Young America in Carver County, Minnesota.

• $820,000 for St. Cloud small Bus replacement.

• $500,000 for Trunk Highway 14 between Waseca and Owatonna.

• $400,000 for the White Earth Tribal Nation SMART Transit and Buses.

• $900,000 for the I-35W Reconstruction design in New Brighton, MN.

• $500,000 for the Highway 610 Corridor.

• $350,000 for Highway 14 from North Mankato to New Ulm, MN.

• $500,000 for Highway 241 Improvement.

• $270,000 for Minneapolis for land building acquisition, renovation and construction as part of the city’s redevelopment.

• $150,000 for Red Lake Bank Chippewa Indians in red Lake for construction, renovation, and buildout of a multi purpose facility.

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Senator Klobuchar’s Offices

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Main Line: 612-727-5220
Main Fax: 612-727-5223
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1134 7th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Main Line: 507-288-5321
Fax: 507-288-2922

121 4th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Main Line: 218-287-2219
Fax: 218-287-2930

Olcott Plaza, Suite 105
820 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792
Main Line: 218-741-9690
Fax: 218-741-3692