Sens. Klobuchar, Franken announce $10 million for rail interchange at Target Field
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced that the Interchange at Target Field has received $10 million in construction funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The funds will be used to help construct a new passenger platform, storage and staging tracks, and a new public plaza at the Target Field rail station in Downtown Minneapolis. The Interchange serves the Northstar Corridor commuter rail and Hiawatha light rail, and will serve Central Corridor and Southwest Corridor light rail and Northern Lights Express once those projects are completed.
“The Target Field Interchange is critical to connecting current and future rail lines and strengthening our state’s transportation network,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Investing in a 21st century transportation system will help attract businesses and boost Minnesota’s economy.”
“Transportation infrastructure investment is important because it creates jobs and makes it easier for Minnesotans to travel around their communities and around the state,” said Sen. Franken. “When it’s completed, the Interchange will make it easier for folks to get to and from work, visit downtown stores and restaurants, and attend Twins games. I’m pleased to announce this funding, which is an important step forward for the region and its efforts to create a multi-modal transportation system.”
Klobuchar spoke with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood in support of the Interchange and urged him to fund the project.
During her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has secured over $30 million for Central Corridor. Sen. Franken has long been a supporter of DOT’s TIGER Grant program, which will fund this grant. In June, he pressed key Senate leaders to fully fund the President’s request for the program at $2 billion.
Earlier this year, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken wrote letters of support for the grant application to DOT.
