Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Mankato and Southern Minnesota in Year End Budget

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Secured and Backed by Klobuchar, Smith

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees includes projects to benefit Mankato and Southern Minnesota. These projects would invest in public infrastructure. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill.

"From upgrading the Mankato Regional Airport Air Traffic Control Tower to investing in the local water system, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Mankato and Southwest Minnesota," said Klobuchar. "Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans."

"Upgrading crucial infrastructure for Southern Minnesota and constructing a new air traffic control tower for Mankato Airport are exactly the kinds of projects we should be investing in," said Smith. "The federal government should be a partner in uplifting and providing necessary funding for vital community projects championed by local leaders, and that's exactly what we are hoping to accomplish for residents of Mankato and Southwest Minnesota."

Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill:

• $1,050,000 for the City of Butterfield to update its wastewater treatment facility and reconstruct city streets, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and water mains, which are currently in unsafe conditions. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN).
• $1,050,000 for the City of Eagle Lake to construct a new water treatment facility to provide clean drinking water to residents. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN).
• $750,000 for the City of Henderson to construct a water filtration plant to remove iron and manganese contaminants from the drinking water. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN).
• $1,050,000 for the City of Okabena to repair, replace, or construct Okabena's drinking water distribution system to provide the residents and businesses of Okabena with a safe and dependable drinking water system. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN).
• $1,050,000 for the City of Madison Lake to replace and improve its water supply system, storm sewer, sanitary collection system, and other critical infrastructure.
• $800,000 for the City of Pemberton for repairs to their drinking water storage, well house, distribution, and stormwater conveyance. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN).
• $2,100,000 for Mankato Regional Airport to construct a new air traffic control tower. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN).

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.

The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months.

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