McCollum Announces $16.1 Million in Federal Funds for Thirteen East Metro Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) announced today that she secured $16,089,000 in federal funding for 13 community projects in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional district. The funding was included in bipartisan appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 6938; H.R. 7148) passed by the Senate today after House passage last week. After the chaos of last year, including the Trump government shutdown – the longest in U.S. history – this bipartisan legislation was stripped of partisan policies and will now become law when the president signs it.

“This $16 million in federal investment in East Metro communities will make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more secure,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum. “Through investments in our libraries, fire departments, police departments, roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities, we are strengthening our communities as we face economic and environmental challenges together. I thank local officials for their partnership on these projects and advocacy for our communities.” 

Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for five projects through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:

• $3,150,000 for the Hayden Heights Library Renovation (City of Saint Paul)
  This funding will be used to complete construction of the Hayden Heights Library Reconstruction project. The building's conditions need to be improved to meet the needs of the community on the East Side of Saint Paul.
• $2,000,000 for the East Metro Public Safety Training Center Expansion (City of Maplewood)
  This project would expand the East Metro Public Safety Training Center, used by 27 agencies who will use the facility to train first responders and enhance public safety in the East Metro.
• $1,350,000 for the Weir Drive Reconstruction Phase II (City of Woodbury)
  This project will complete the reconstruction of a half-mile stretch of Weir Drive, a dead-end roadway serving an apartment complex, middle school, and several businesses. When it floods, it cuts off access for residents in and out of Weir Drive. This project will elevate two low points along Weir Drive that currently convey stormwater to maintain access for residents, students, businesses, and first responders.
• $1,250,000  for the Burn Building Restoration (City of Saint Paul)
  The funding will be used to restore a condemned 52-year-old on-site burn building to operational use for training firefighters from the Saint Paul Fire Department and surrounding area departments. Replacing the current, obsolete fire training burn building will enable the fire department to provide real-life training to prepare responders for lifesaving rescue operations. The project is an investment in the life, health, and safety of approximately 307,000 Saint Paul residents who rely on the Saint Paul Fire Department’s expertise and readiness to respond in the event of a fire.
• $250,000 for the County Highway 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway Reconstruction (Washington County)
  This project will improve safety and operations at the intersection of County Highway 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway in the City of Woodbury through the construction of a roundabout. This will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle users, and will also improve stormwater management. 

Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for two projects through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:

• $1,092,000 for the Municipal Water Supply Project, Phase 2 (City of Gem Lake)
  This funding will be used for the construction phase of a new water supply system to provide safe drinking water to residents after the discovery of contamination of local private wells. The construction of water infrastructure will provide for the health and safety of local residents by supplying them with safe drinking water.
• $1,092,000 for the PFAS Water Treatment Facility (City of Stillwater)
  This funding will be used for the construction of a new water treatment facility to provide safe drinking water to residents following the discovery of several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at amounts exceeding maximum contaminant levels established by the U.S. EPA. This project supports the health and safety of residents by supplying them with safe drinking water.

Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for six projects through the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:

• $1,031,000  for the Recidivism Reduction through Workforce Participation (Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest)
  The funding will be used to provide pre-apprenticeship training for currently incarcerated individuals with the goal of reducing recidivism. It is a good use of taxpayer funds because it will reduce prison reentry and provide inmates with pathways to be productive citizens.
• $750,000  for the Wet Bulb Globe Temp Sensor Network (Ramsey County)
  The funding will be used to establish a Wet Bulb Globe Temp Sensor network in Ramsey County. The data collected using these experimental forecasting tools will demonstrate both their effectiveness and provide the National Weather Service with more accurate heat data in urban areas.
• $1,031,000  for the CCTV Improvement Project (City of Saint Paul)
  This funding will be used to replace antiquated CCTV equipment and maintain the City of Saint Paul’s Police Department's ability to monitor activity in the downtown business district and the Ports along the Mississippi River.
• $1,031,000  for the Replacing Records Management and Report Writing System (City of Saint Paul)
  This funding will be used to replace the police records management and report writing system for the City of Saint Paul. This will streamline the police department’s report writing and record keeping by consolidating the city’s record management system, improving efficiency within the police department.
• $1,031,000  for Body-worn and Squad Car Cameras (Washington County)
  The funding will be used to acquire 170 body-worn cameras and 100 fleet cameras for the Washington County Sherriff's Office (WCSO), improving the capabilities of the WCSO and supporting effectiveness and transparency in the office.
• $1,031,000  for Records Management System (City of Woodbury)
  The funding will be used to acquire a specialized record management system for the city — increasing efficiency, improving case and evidence management, and enhancing officer safety and situational awareness.