Community Project Funding Requests
Representative Craig has submitted the below funding requests for important community projects in Minnesota's Second Congressional District to the House Appropriations Committee.
Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in their community for fiscal year 2026 – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here.
In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Representative Craig has certified that she, her spouse, and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects she has requested.
Project Name: Burnsville Public Safety Mobile Command Post Replacement Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Burnsville
Recipient Address: 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337
Project Location: 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337
Amount Requested: $2,200,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to replace an over 20 year old Public Safety Mobile Command Post (MCP) vehicle. The MCP is used regionally to support law enforcement and public safety operations during large scale or high risk incidents. The current MCP is outdated and unreliable. The MCP is an important part of the emergency incident operations. Burnsville’s tragedy in February required police and fire to operate in separate MCP due to the limitations of the current MCP. The MCP brings the vehicle and operators to any public safety agency who calls for it. This regularly occurs throughout Dakota County and beyond. The replacement will allow the public safety agencies to have an updated vehicle with current technology and a highly reliable vehicle with the room needed to have a unified operation across police, fire, and EMS which is vitally important to the success of an emergency operation. This vehicle will help us operate with an increased degree of safety.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Dakota County Regional Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Facility Project
Proposed Recipient: Dakota County
Recipient Address: 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
Project Location: 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
Amount Requested: $14,000,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used for a household hazardous waste and recycling facility located in the City of Lakeville, serving the populations of Dakota and Scott counties. Dakota and Scott counties, located in the Twin Cities Metro Area in Minnesota, have a combined 593,000 residents — more than 10 percent of the state population — and five active landfills. Each county operates a residential household hazardous waste and recycling facility, which keeps those materials out of landfills and the environment. However, the two facilities are not designed to handle expected population growth. The existing facilities accept nearly 7 million pounds of material per year from more than 80,000 users. The Recycling Zone in Eagan, Minnesota already handles four times its designed capacity. The Scott County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is projected to exceed its capacity by 325 percent by 2030. In addition, the large geographical area of Dakota and Scott counties includes underserved areas. In a survey, 25 percent of Dakota County residents who reported they didn’t use The Recycling Zone said it was too far away or inconvenient. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because a new facility will also provide a convenient and cost-effective drop-off location for household hazardous waste and recyclables from residents and businesses from both Dakota and Scott counties.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Dakota County I-35 Bridges and CH 50 Interchange Project
Proposed Recipient: Dakota County
Recipient Address: 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
Project Location: Intersection of County Road 19A and Trunk Highway 61, Cottage Grove, MN
Amount Requested: $8,000,000
Description of Request: This funding would be used to replace the I-35 bridges over County Road 50 and reconstruct the interchange in the city of Lakeville, MN, including the expansion of County Road 50. The existing I-35 and County Road 50 interchange does not have sufficient capacity, sight distance or turn lanes. This results in delays and safety issues in this growing area of Lakeville, Dakota County’s largest city and one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Dakota County and the City of Lakeville have been planning to replace this deficient interchange since 2004 and have made significant local investments in right-of-way acquisition, local road reconfiguration and drainage improvements. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will improve transportation safety by addressing a long-standing need that was identified more than 20 years ago when County Road 50 was expanded from two to four travel lanes except for the area under I-35.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Eagan Valley Acres Firearms Range Upgrades Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Eagan
Recipient Address: 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122
Project Location: 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to upgrade Eagan Police Departments Firearms Range to create a safe, effective, and community-oriented space for years to come. It would support range upgrades including lead mitigation, improved ventilation and round mitigation and replacement of the range backstop. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it provides both immediate and long-term benefits to the public, law enforcement, and the community. The proposed upgrades to the Firearms Range offer a high return on investment by enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, fostering community engagement, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Elko New Market Police Camera Upgrades Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Elko New Market
Recipient Address: 601 Main St., Elko New Market, MN 55054
Project Location: 601 Main St., Elko New Market, MN 55054
Amount Requested: $104,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to replace 8 nearly obsolete body worn cameras and 4 squad mounted cameras. It would also be used to migrate storage of all body worn and squad camera evidentiary video from an obsolete on-premise server to a cloud-based video storage platform. The move to cloud-based video storage is necessary as the current server the department uses has exceeded its life expectancy and would be prohibitively expensive to replace. Moving to video cloud-storage vs on premise server storage better safeguards the video for evidence and also allows the department to more easily fulfill time consuming data requests for officer videos as well as redacting and transcribing video for data requests. A cloud-based storage system will benefit the city taxpayers through reduced labor hours spent using an antiquated system to redact and transcribe videos for data requests. It will also more securely protect video to ensure it is available as needed for court cases with built in redundancies. This project serves as a good use of taxpayer money because it aids in keeping the department current with technological advancements and mandated requirements, protects the integrity of video capture and evidence storage, and helps reduce labor costs which in turn saves taxpayer money over time. Moving to a cloud-based evidentiary video storage also provides the department access to video redaction tools that facilitate video data requests. Officers could redact video themselves in a timelier manner (labor savings) and would not have to pay a private contractor significant fees to redact the video as the Department does now.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Hastings PFAS and Nitrates Removal Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Hastings
Recipient Address: 101 4th St. E., Hastings, MN 55033
Project Location: 580 Spiral Blvd, Hastings, MN 55033
Amount Requested: $10,800,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used for the construction of three decentralized water treatment plants - with each serving two to three wells, to remove the PFAS and nitrate contaminants and provide clean and safe drinking water for 23,000 residents and businesses. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the City of Hastings' drinking water is above maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS, per the US EPA's recently adopted National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Additionally, the Minnesota Veterans Home, located in Hastings, exceeds the new MCLs with its individual well. In September 2023, the City of Hastings completed a Feasibility Study to address PFAS and Nitrate contamination, which considered several alternatives, and recommended the construction of three water treatment plants. The Minnesota Department of Health has approved this study.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Lakeville FiRST Center Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Lakeville
Recipient Address: 20195 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044
Project Location: 7700 214th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044
Amount Requested: $7,000,000
Description of Request: The funding will be used for the redevelopment of an underutilized property owned by the City of Lakeville, into a first responder training facility to meet the needs of the region. The facility is proposed to provide not only firearm training, but tactical and de-escalation training for regional public safety departments. The site is 5+ acres and currently used only for overflow interior and exterior public works storage. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will continue to invest in public safety for the city and surrounding area. The currently underutilized property is 65+ years old and has deteriorated past its useful life, is uninsulated and not building or accessibility code compliant. This project proposes to demo that building and construct a new 100-year facility serving city, county and state public safety departments in the region. The proposed project will provide a new code and energy compliant structure to fulfill a regional need, better utilize the site, provide for parking and
improve the on-site storm water management system.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Le Sueur Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Facilities Expansion Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Le Sueur
Recipient Address: 203 South Second Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058
Project Location: 203 South Second Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058
Amount Requested: $6,000,000
Description of Request: Funding would be used to expand the Public Safety facilities serving the Le Sueur area. Currently, the Le Sueur Police Department is housed in a former utility and fire department area of City Hall; the space is undersized and lacks key security and community safety features. The Emergency Management department of the City serves an immediate population of over 4,200 and has no dedicated space for operations. The goal with this project is to construct an expanded Public Safety space that would be home to the Le Sueur Police Department and Emergency Management operations for the Le Sueur community. As the largest community in Le Sueur County, and with an ever-growing and complexity of public safety needs, the current facilities no longer appropriately serve the community. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because the importance of high-quality, engaged public safety has never been more front-and-center in our communities. Small, inaccessible public safety spaces such as Le Sueur's do not serve the diverse needs of our communities, as we strive to be proactive in our outreach and protection of our community members, visitors, and businesses.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Lonsdale Public Safety Technology and Communication Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Lonsdale
Recipient Address: 415 Central St. W., Lonsdale, MN 55046
Project Location: 415 Central St. W., Lonsdale, MN 55046
Amount Requested: $182,305
Description of Request: The funding would be used to purchase body-worn and in-car camera system for Lonsdale’s police officers and squad cars. It would also equip local departments with encrypted 800 MHz radios to allow the Lonsdale Fire Department to communicate amongst themselves, with the Lonsdale Police Department, Rice County Sheriffs Office and other fire departments when responding to a call and/or while on scene. Without proper communication, it could lead to more damage personal property and/or decrease the safety of first responders. This is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will increase public safety, accountability and trust. If not funded, the projects would increase taxes on residents of Lonsdale and the Townships the City provides services to.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: City of New Prague Public Safety Center Expansion Project
Proposed Recipient: City of New Prague
Recipient Address: 118 Central Avenue N., New Prague, MN 56071
Project Location: 118 Central Avenue N, New Prague, MN 56071
Amount Requested: $2,500,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to support the expansion of the New Prague Fire Station into the New Prague Safety Center, housing the City's Fire, Police, and Ambulance services. Notably, the City's existing Police Station, of about 5,000 SF, is woefully undersized and outdated. The expanded Public Safety Center would include over 20,000 SF for current and future police needs and two ambulance bays to allow the City to continue serving the local community with ambulance needs. This project is a valuable use of tax payer dollars because while the Fire and Ambulance services serve a far larger area than the City limits, even the police department routinely responds to calls outside of City limits. All three departments truly serve a regional area, while being primarily supported by City residents. This project is a valuable use of tax payer dollars because while the Fire and Ambulance services serve a far larger area than the City limits, even the police department routinely responds to calls outside of City limits. All three departments truly serve a regional area, while being primarily supported by City residents
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: City of Newport Inflow and Infiltration Mitigation Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Newport
Recipient Address: 2060 1st Avenue, Newport, MN 55055
Project Location: 2060 1st Avenue, Newport, MN 55055
Amount Requested: $5,000,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used for the City of Newport mitigation of inflow and infiltration intrusion (I&I) into Newport’s sewer system and increased stormwater treatment and management along with the necessary repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of related infrastructure. Excessive I&I presents numerous challenges, including sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), increased treatment costs, decreased system capacity, and potential environmental impacts. Essential solutions include replacing deteriorating sewer lines, repairing manholes, sealing leaks, replacing aging fire hydrants, and implementing stormwater facilities to better manage and treat storm water prior to discharging to the Mississippi River on the city’s western border. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because reducing I&I and implementing stormwater management helps protect critical infrastructure, contributes to the overall quality of life in communities, and residents' benefit from safer and healthier environments. This project is expected to have a 50-70 year life span.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Scott County Law Enforcement Records Management System Project
Proposed Recipient: Scott County
Recipient Address: 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Project Location: 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to upgrade Scott County’s Law Enforcement Records Management System. This system enhances day-to-day service delivery to residents, eliminates redundancies, and provides the opportunity for future improvements and efficient collaborations through shared data. By migrating the Scott County RMS to the same system used by Hennepin County, their agencies will be able to better support and share critical information to the law enforcement officers serving our communities, as well as to judicial officials in both counties. In addition, this project will support better inter-agency response to events, incidents, and disasters. During several recent incidents, Scott County has had calls roll over from Hennepin County, but we have been unable to provide needed support because our systems are incompatible. Law enforcement shortages (whether those be officers in the field or dispatch) and the chaotic nature of disasters and crime make a modern records management system an integral part of a modern law enforcement agency. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will help law enforcement officials be better informed in the line of duty, thereby keeping themselves and their community safer.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Scott County SCALE Regional Public Safety Training Facility Range Trap Replacement Project
Proposed Recipient: Scott County
Recipient Address: 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Project Location: 17706 Valley View Drive, Jordan, MN 55352
Amount Requested: $1,460,800
Description of Request: The funding would be used to replace Scott County’s SCALE Regional Public Safety Training Facility’s existing bullet traps in the 25-yard firing range and the 200-yard firing range with newer trap systems. The existing trap systems are expensive to maintain and require facility shut-downs for twice-annual block replacements. The new system proposed in the 200-yard range is a granular trap system. This system catches the fired bullets in a berm of granular rubber. This rubber is then processed to remove the fired bullets. The granular trap system is rated for high-caliber firearms, which are typically used on the 200-yard range. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because of the clear public safety benefits. The installation of new traps at the SCALE facility will nullify any need for the facility to close for trap maintenance. More range time for Scott County law enforcement helps better prepare officers for certain aspects of their service.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: City of Shakopee’s Downtown Quiet Zone Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Shakopee
Recipient Address: 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Project Location: 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used for the installation of rail crossing improvements at intersections along the Union Pacific Railway (UPRR) mainline corridor through downtown Shakopee. This rail corridor has a unique configuration wherein the tracks are located in the middle of Second Avenue spanning the historic downtown Shakopee with one lane of traffic on each side of the tracks. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the proposed improvements would add safety measures at the existing rail crossings necessary for the city to implement a Quiet Zone in Shakopee and eliminate the routine sounding of horns at rail crossings, positively impacting the economic development of downtown and improving the quality of life throughout the City.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.
Project Name: Woodbury Emergency Operations Center Equipment Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Woodbury
Recipient Address: 2100 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Project Location: 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
Amount Requested: $2,200,000
Description of Request: The funding would be used to purchase communications systems, computers, mapping equipment and other emergency operations center equipment to be used at a centralized facility that will support emergency response, coordination and management during large-scale incidents and disasters. With federal investment, Woodbury’s EOC will collect, gather, and analyze data; make decisions that protect life and property; maintain continuity of government; and coordinate with all concerned agencies and individuals. As the community grows, Woodbury Public Safety (including police) is responding to increasing call volume. The city is currently expanding its Public Safety Campus to provide more space for operations. An old dispatch center is being remodeled as part of the larger project. A new EOC is being developed to coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters. The EOC will serve as a hub for various departments to collaborate during crises. It will involve representatives from law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and public works. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will help Woodbury to equip the EOC with up-to-date technologies including communication systems, computers, maps and other tools necessary for monitoring and managing emergency situations. This equipment is critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of Woodbury residents.
Signed certification letter stating the project’s Federal nexus and that there is no financial interest in the project.