KEYC-TV reports that Walz Announces First Step In Funding For Projects Across S. Minnesota:
Several appropriation bills have cleared their first hurdle at the state capitol. Congressman Tim Walz announcing two projects in our area approved by the appropriations committee. $350,000 for construction on highway 14 from Waseca to Owatonna. And $350,000 for planning and environmental review along highway 14 from North Mankato to New Ulm.
Representative Walz talked about this yesterday in his district press call. He noted while some will object purely on ideological terms to funding coming to the district, the reformed earmark process asked legislator to put their names on the money they asked for their districts. No more the anonymous slush slipped into a bill in the middle of the night, but a transparent process.
The projects Walz requested also assured local control of federal dollars, for projects communities and state agencies requested, rather than having the money go into a big pot held by the federal department of transportation.
It is possible that the appropriations could be removed on the House floor or in conference committee, but Walz thought that was unlikely.
He doubted that anyone would call Highway 14 a road to nowhere. We have provided a map for those who might be tempted to tell people living in Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato and New Ulm about their insignificance, or the reason they should put up with a notoriously unsafe road.
Political Hot Spot
KTTC reports on the 2008 state conventions in Rochester. Why such a hot spot? Go read the article to find out.
Austin Daily News: Send-off for Guard bound to Kosovo
Although the deployment is being overshadowed by the long awaited return of hundred of Guard members from Iraq, soldiers are being sent to Kovoso. The ADN reports Public invited to National Guard send-off:
The public is invited to a send off ceremony for Minnesota Army National Guard soldiers leaving for military duty in Kosovo.
The ceremony begins 6 p.m. Sunday at the Austin Armory, headquarters of Fox Company, 334th BSB, LMT.
Formerly “Bravo Company,” the soldiers are veterans of duty in Iraq, having served there in 2005.
Congressman Walz will be among the speakers.
Mankato Free Press LTE: Walz understands air traffic contral system's importance
Reed Miller of Byron writes his appreciation in Walz understands air traffic control system’s importance:
I want to let your readership know how much I and my fellow air traffic controllers at the Rochester International Airport appreciate that Congressman Tim Walz recently cast a vote for the restoration of our collective bargaining rights.
The FAA unilaterally imposed work and pay rules last Labor Day weekend, adding to a critical staffing shortage that threatens the safety and efficiency of our skies. Walz understands what effect the air traffic control system has, not just in Rochester, or the 1st District, but on aviation in the United States as a whole.
I would like to thank Walz for acting on behalf of safety of the flying public by voting to protect our rights to fair contract negotiations that will stem the tide of controller retirements and stabilize the controller workforce.
Netroots
A National Farmers Union intern from the Dakotas meets Tim Walz in surreality.
Happy birthday to BSP
One year ago today, we posted our first entry about the First Congressional District contest. Send gifts now. On second thought, contributing to Tim Walz's re-election campaign would be the best present ever.
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