Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding for Infrastructure Improvements in Anoka County

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded $18 million for the Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Project. The grant, provided through the USDOT's BUILD program, will be used to construct an interchange at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. This project is part of a larger initiative to convert the highway into a freeway with grade-separated interchanges.

"Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state," said Klobuchar. "This federal funding will help make our roads safer and more accessible and allow Minnesotans to more easily reach work, school, and other destinations in Anoka County."

"Highway 65 is a critical link between the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. But we're seeing drivers intentionally avoiding the intersection at Bunker Lake Boulevard to avoid the traffic and congestion, which only increases congestion on nearby roads. This intersection is outdated and needs an update," said Smith. "A new interchange will handle more traffic and take the strain off of side-roads, meaning Minnesotans can more easily get to their families, to their work or where they need to go."

Senators Klobuchar and Smith have long supported investment in the Highway 65 corridor. In 2023, Klobuchar and Smith announced $20 million in federal funding to improve road safety and accessibility on Highway 65 from 97th Avenue to 117th Avenue. In 2022, Klobuchar and Smith secured $9 million for Highway 65 improvements at 99th Avenue and 109th Avenue intersections, as well as an additional $4 million for the 117th Avenue intersection in 2024.

BUILD grants, previously referred to as RAISE grants, can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Klobuchar and Smith supported and was signed into law in 2021, delivered a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for the BUILD grants, as well as resources for improving the state's roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.

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