Congresswoman Angie Craig Tours and Discusses the Veterans Memorial Greenway Project
Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig toured the future route of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. This 5-mile, accessible paved route through scenic Dakota County landscapes is expected to feature several memorials that will be designed and built in partnership with veterans' organizations. It will also connect the surrounding neighborhoods to Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the existing Mississippi River Greenway. Development of the greenway is critical to enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety as it circumvents busy state and county highways and active rail lines.
"I was proud to secure multiple legislative pathways that will help establish this trail in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights to honor the service and dedication of our nation's veterans," said Rep. Angie Craig. "I'm always looking for ways to showcase the great contributions of the veterans in our community and I'm proud to be able to play a role in this project."
"We appreciate Congresswoman Craig's commitment to the safety of Dakota County families, cyclists and pedestrians and her recognition of the contributions of our 23,000 veterans," Dakota County Board Chair Mike Slavik said. "Rep. Craig shares our desire to get this project done as soon as possible to improve access to our valuable natural resources and recreational opportunities for all residents."
Specifically, Rep. Craig successfully included report language in the House Interior Appropriations bill, which is intended to facilitate the establishment of the Dakota County Veterans Memorial Greenway with Land and Water Conservation funding prioritized for greenways, parks, trails and other outdoor facilities in honor of America's veterans. Additionally, as a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, she was a cosponsor of H.R.2, the Moving Forward Act, which contains a significant investment in existing funding for trails. The bill, which passed the House on July 1st, would also establish new Active Transportation Connectivity Grants that would connect walking and biking infrastructure so that people can safely travel between home and their communities.