AUGUST 5, 2022

Dear Fourth District Constituent,

Over the last week, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with some of the amazing organizations my office has partnered with to secure millions in federal Community Project Funding across the Fourth District. Check out a recap below!

Washington County 

Last month, the Appropriations Committee passed a $1.6 million Community Project Funding request for Washington County Sheriff's Office to help replace their current fleet with hybrid vehicles. Investing in the latest technology will reduce the County’s environmental impact and improve emergency response and search and rescue. 

Congresswoman McCollum discusses Washington County's Community Project Funding request with Washington County law enforcement

Woodbury 

Recently the House passed $3.45 million in federal Community Project Funding I secured for the City of Woodbury to address PFAS and improve drinking water quality in the East Metro. It was great to visit to see how the city is working to ensure residents have safe water to drink.

Congresswoman McCollum tours Woodbury drinking water treatment facility

The Sanneh Foundation

Next, my team stopped by the Sanneh Foundation in St. Paul. Bridging the opportunity gap is vital to create an equitable, vibrant future for our youth. The House passed and sent to the Senate $1 million in Community Project Funding I secured for their Youth Workforce Development Project to boost economic opportunity for our up-and-coming local workforce.

Stopping by the Sanneh Foundation's Youth Workforce Development Project site

St. Kate's

It's always a treat to stop by my alma mater, but especially so when celebrating securing $800,000 for St. Catherine University's Advancing Scientific Excellence Initiative Project! This Community Project Funding will deliver resources to boost women in STEM-related careers.

Congresswoman McCollum visit St. Kate's to learn more about program boosting women in STEM

Hamline University

Our next stop took us to Hamline University, where I was able to see how the "Pipers to Professionals" program helps students prepare for employment with on-the-job opportunities and support. In the Appropriations Committee, we recently passed $1 million for this community project, and I'm working to continue to advance it in a final bill and bring these dollars home to support our economic future. 

Congresswoman McCollum is working with Hamline University to secure funding for "Pipers to Professionals" program

International Institute of Minnesota

I appreciated stopping by the International Institute of Minnesota next! I secured $1.5 million in Community Project Funding to help boost the Institute's new redesign and renovation so they can help more immigrants and refugees find vital community support, skills training, and career counseling. 

Congresswoman McCollum visits the newly-remodeled headquarters of the International Institute of Minnesota in St. Paul.

Thanks to each of these wonderful organizations for hosting me this week. This year, there we have 15 Community Projects that are currently moving through the Appropriations process – read about all of them here. (And last year's projects here.)

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with your policy opinion or if you need help with a federal agency. Thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent.

Sincerely,

Betty McCollum
Member of Congress