Congresswoman Angie Craig Submits Request for Dakota County to Receive $4.9 Million for Veterans Memorial Greenway Project

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced her submission for Dakota County to receive $4,995,000 to construct the Veterans Memorial Greenway. This greenway will commemorate and remember the service of all veterans from Dakota County and throughout Minnesota by constructing 5-7 memorials that are created by veterans, providing a large space for patriotic community events and providing an attractive greenway for veterans and the general public to enjoy. 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 Dakota County to receive federal support for this important project," said Representative Craig. "Residents of Dakota County have a long and proud history of service in the American Armed Forces -- and this project will serve to honor their sacrifices in defense of this great nation."

"We so appreciate Congresswoman Craig making the Veterans Memorial Greenway her top priority for Community Project Funding. Not only will the Veterans Memorial Greenway honor Dakota County's 25,000 veterans, its completion will also dramatically enhance safety for thousands of users, including walkers, cyclists, families, and schoolchildren," said Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins. "The VMG will enable pedestrians and cyclists to avoid at-grade crossings of Highway 3 and Highway 52 as well as a very busy rail line, while connecting Dakota County's most-used park to our most popular trail."

"Dakota County is home to 25,000 veterans, and we look forward to honoring all veterans with the longest memorial greenway in Minnesota," said Dakota County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathleen Gaylord. "This will be a wonderful destination for residents and visitors to learn about the important sacrifices and contributions made by our veterans while spending time outdoors."

The Veterans Memorial Greenway will be Minnesota's longest greenway dedicated to veterans, offering a year-round, safe and universally accessible outdoor space for diverse visitors to enjoy nature, celebrate the state's strong tradition of military service and honor all veterans. Development of the Veterans Memorial Greenway is critical to enhancing pedestrian safety. The current route will increase safety by eliminating crossing conflicts with 54,000 trucks and other vehicles daily on County Roads 71 and 73, and State Highways 3 and 52. Also the greenway design will enhance pedestrian safety to trains traveling on two active rail lines. The greenway's accessibility features will welcome the county's more than 6,600 disabled veterans and other users with disabilities.

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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