ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) hosted a roundtable discussion in Pine Island with approximately 30 city administrators to hear directly from local leaders about the needs of their communities and discuss federal funding opportunities available to municipalities across the First District.
In Fiscal Years 2024 and 2026, Congressman Finstad secured $21.2 million and $20 million, respectively, for rural water, transportation infrastructure improvement, and community facility projects across southern Minnesota. During the roundtable, Congressman Finstad was joined by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utility Service (RUS) Administrator Karl Elmshaeuser to hear from city administrators about ongoing projects in their communities and connect city leaders with resources for federal grants and funding opportunities within USDA and other federal agencies.
“During my time in Congress, I’ve been proud to bring home $41.2 in federal funding for projects that improve the quality of life for the folks who call southern Minnesota home,” said Rep. Finstad. “Hearing directly from local city officials is essential to understanding the real infrastructure challenges of our southern Minnesota cities and towns, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with city administrators to help deliver the federal investments that will help our communities meet their current and future infrastructure needs.”
“Infrastructure is the actual backbone of our rural communities, here in Minnesota and around the nation. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that modernizing and protecting our critical infrastructure is key to America’s success and resilience. By prioritizing this work now, we ensure our essential systems thrive under modern demands.” – Karl Elmshaeuser, Administrator, USDA Rural Utility Service
Background:
Congressman Finstad has secured $41.2 million for communities across Minnesota’s First District, funding improvements for the long-term growth of communities, local businesses, and regional economic stability:
$21.2 Million Secured by Congressman Finstad in Fiscal Year 2024
- $1.1 million for regional public safety and justice center in Martin County, MN
- $1 million for wastewater treatment facility improvements in Albert Lea, MN
- $1.75 million for wastewater treatment and collection facilities in Alpha, MN
- $1 million for wastewater treatment facility upgrades in Fairmont, MN
- $3 million for regional wastewater disinfection system upgrade in Mankato, MN
- $2.1 million for sewer system upgrades in Waseca, MN
- $1 million for water treatment plant distribution system design and construction in Alpha, MN
- $500,000 for reservoir rehabilitation in Red Wing, MN
- $750,000 for water storage tank construction in Waseca, MN
- $1 million for rural water district water tower construction in Rock County, MN
- $2.5 million for municipal airport crosswind runway in New Ulm, MN
- $4.3 million for the intersection at CSAH 44 and Highway 14 in Olmsted County
- $1.2 million for 4th street roundabout in Rochester, MN
$20 Million Secured by Congressman Finstad for Fiscal Year 2026
- $1.6 million for Gundersen St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Wabasha, MN
- $1.5 million for the construction of a new fire station in Spring Grove, MN
- $1 million for water infrastructure improvements in Blooming Prairie, MN
- $1.05 million for wastewater treatment facility repairs in Butterfield, MN
- $1 million for a wastewater treatment facility that serves Pine Island, Wanamingo, Goodhue, and Prairie Island
- $1 million for sanitary sewer improvements in Rochester, MN
- $1 million for water infrastructure improvements in Trimont, MN
- $1 million for water infrastructure improvements in Dennison, MN
- $1.05 million for water treatment improvements in Eagle Lake, MN
- $1.75 million for a watermain replacement project in Manchester, MN
- $1 million for water infrastructure improvements in Nerstrand, MN
- $750,000 for water distribution system improvements in Okabena, MN
- $800,000 for water distribution system repairs in Pemberton, MN
- $3.5 million for the construction of a new air traffic control tower in Mankato, MN
- $2 million for interchanges at Highway 14 and CSAHs 3 and 5 in Byron, MN
