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Klobuchar Announces Over $133 Million in Federal Funding for I-35W Corridor to Ease Congestion

Funding for key parts of Minneapolis Urban Partnerships Agreement

June 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released over $133 million in federal funding for the Minneapolis Urban Partnerships Agreement that will invest in mass transit projects including buses and high occupancy vehicle lanes.

“Investing in our infrastructure and mass transit is critical at a time of severe congestion and skyrocketing gas prices, Klobuchar said.  “These initiatives are essential to ensure Minnesota will have a 21st century transportation system to fuel its 21st century economy.”

Today’s announcement will award $85.9 million for the Minneapolis Urban Partnership Agreement for buses and bus facilities that will connect downtown Minneapolis with multiple communities to the south and provides access to the Bloomington Strip, Mall of America, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, and the University of Minnesota.

The funding released by the DOT today also includes:
- $16.4 million for High Occupancy Vehicle and “priced dynamic shoulder lanes” (PDSLs) that will enable bus speeds to increase to 50 mph from the current bus-only shoulder lane speeds of 35 mph or less.
- $6.6 million for PDSLs on I-35 northbound, from 46th Street to TH-65 near downtown Minneapolis
- $19.4 million for the pricing and enforcement of HOV-HOT lanes, dynamic message signs and management improvements.
- $5 million for planning, development and implementation of HOV-HOT lane pricing and enforcement.

Klobuchar has worked tirelessly for Minnesota infrastructure projects, from Central Corridor funding, to rebuilding the I-35W bridge and most recently fighting for and announcing $53.9 million in federal funding for the North Star commuter rail line from Big Lake to Minneapolis.

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