Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Pine County in Year End Budget

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

WASHINGTON - 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 include projects to benefit Pine County. These projects would invest in public water infrastructure and workforce housing. 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 critical water infrastructure in Pine City to investing in workforce housing in Sandstone, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Pine County," said Klobuchar. "Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans."

"Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of Pine County," said Smith. "From updating Pine City's wastewater treatment system to redeveloping the Historic Sandstone School into affordable workforce housing, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law."

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

• $750,000 for Pine City's Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade Project. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
• $850,000 for the Sandstone School Workforce Housing Project to develop 31 units of workforce housing.

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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