Congresswoman Angie Craig Submits Request for Scott County to Receive $3 Million for Merriam Junction Regional Trail Project
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced her submission for Scott County to receive $3,000,000 to complete the Scott County Merriam Junction Regional Trail Project in 2023. Craig submitted her request for Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations process, through which Members of Congress are able to request funding for up to 15 specific projects in their districts which would serve the public good.
"I'm proud to announce my submission for Scott County to receive federal support for this important project," said Representative Craig. "Everybody should be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Minnesota River and its surrounding areas – improving the Merriam Junction Regional Trail is a critical step toward ensuring that everyone is able to do just that."
"Scott County is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Angie Craig for her tireless leadership in securing the needed funding for the Merriam Junction Regional Trail Riverbank Restoration project. All of our communities will benefit for generations to come from the protection of our unique cultural resources and the prevention of further erosion and damage from storm and other flooding events," said Scott County Board Commissioner Barb Weckman Brekke, who represents the district in which Merriam Junction is located. "In addition, Congresswoman Craig's successful efforts in championing this project will be enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to the entire southwest metropolitan area through the expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation provided by a regional, multi-use, accessible destination trail connecting Scott and Carver Counties across the Minnesota River."
This funding will be used to complete a decades-long initiative to convert an abandoned rail bed to a regional, multi-use, accessible destination trail connecting Scott and Carver Counties across the Minnesota River. The requested funding will allow for the remediation of the segments of the Merriam Junction Regional Trail, along the banks of the Minnesota River, which will promote recreational activities and serve pedestrians and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Additionally, the trail project supports pedestrian access from the western metropolitan area to public and private outdoor recreation venues that have a statewide draw.
The House Appropriations Committee intends to fund community projects on a limited basis in the FY23 Appropriations bills. Therefore, CPF requests that address the most significant needs of local communities or provide a significant public good are more likely to be included. The CPF program is being implemented with accountability measures to ensure a responsible and transparent process.
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