Sen. Klobuchar talks frozen infrastructure funds during Duluth visit
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) made a surprise visit to Duluth Friday afternoon. It was the final stop in her visiting 14 Minnesota counties this week. The U.S. Senator met with local leaders to talk infrastructure and funding for various projects around the City.
Earlier this week WDIO News covered how the Duluth international airport released an economic impact report. Specifically on how the aviation industry is a powerhouse in the Twin Ports’ economy.
Today Senator Klobuchar wanted to reassure Duluth residents that there won’t be any delays in the promised federal funds for several Duluth infrastructure projects. Especially the plans to provide several upgrades for Duluth’s international airport.
“We’ve secured this initial $10 million for the taxiway, which is done. So we don’t have to worry about that,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “The $16 million for the air traffic control tower, which of course doesn’t fund the entire project. That money is also not frozen in any way at this time.”
Despite the cuts made to the Federal Aviation Administration, Sen. Klobuchar continued saying there is bipartisan support for a new air traffic control tower.
Although with the recent worries of frozen federal loans and grants, has it thrown a wrench in the current infrastructure projects? The Senator answered that most of Duluth’s project have been secured, like the Blatnik Bridge, the Shipping Port and of course the Duluth International Airport.
Although other towns and cities in the Northland have more projects put on hold. Also Duluth’s Lakewood Water Treatment Plant and Aerial Lift Bridge have federal money currently being paused until the U.S. Budget issues get resolved for “earmarks” or congressionally initiated projects.
“Some communities have like $5 million, $10 million in advance in these earmarks. But this was $1.5 million for the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant and the $500,000 for Ariel Lift Bridge. The only thing that right now is held in advance are those earmarks,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “That’s only because we’re in this continuing budget. The earmarks as a whole have been very popular. So I’m hoping once we get a budget resolved, then we will include those earmarks again. It may be for next year.”
Duluth International Airport’s Executive Director Tom Werner weighed in on the conversation. He says the secured federal funds have already provided significant improvements to the aviation industry.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included key programs that allowed the Duluth Airport Authority to continue with its aggressive infrastructure renewal program,” Werner said. “We’ve been able to put up additional hangers, airfield taxiways, a new terminal at Sky Harbor Airport.”
There is a $25 million grant reconstruct part of the West Superior Street in Lincoln Park secured funding for Chum’s expansion. In the meantime, there are other state loans and grants that can be used to get these infrastructure projects going.