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The city of Ely stands to get $2 million in federal funds for a major infrastructure project, thanks to appropriations on track to be approved in both branches of Congress.
The Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget includes $2 million for the city’s water intake and Burntside Lake water main replacement, according to a news release issued this week by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D).
Funding for the Ely project as well as several initiatives across the Iron Range were part of budget bills passed by both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
Klobuchar and Smith teamed with U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R), who requested the funds in the bill advance in the House of Representatives.
These projects would invest in public infrastructure and local law enforcement. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal.
According to the news release, Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill.
“From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing in better tools for law enforcement, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to the Iron Range,” 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 for folks on the Iron Range,” said Smith. “From updating our water infrastructure in Ely, Hibbing, Keewatin, Coleraine, Eveleth and Mountain Iron to fixing Nashwauk’s infrastructure plans, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.”
Other projects for the Iron Range included as part of the legislation:
• $750,000 for the Mountain Iron/Eveleth for Watermain Loop Project. The funds would be used for the installation of five miles of water main from Mountain Iron to Eveleth,
• $1,000,000 for the City of Coleraine for reconstructing sewer, water, storm sewer, and street infrastructure.
• $750,000 for the City of Keewatin for replacement of water/sewage infrastructure.
• $2,000,000 for the City of Hibbing for Water Treatment Improvement and Expansion Project.
• $1,000,000 for the City of Nashwauk’s Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project.
• $315,000 for the City of Cook’s Wastewater Treatment Pond Reconstruction Project.
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.
