Sens. Franken and Klobuchar, Rep. Nolan's Bill to Fix Grand Rapids Land Swap Issue Set to Become Law

Press Release

Today, a legislative fix proposed by U.S. Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), along with Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Minn.) is set to become law after passing both the House and Senate. The bill gives the green light to the much-anticipated land transfer between the Grand Rapids School District and the federal government.

The land swap, which the Grand Rapids community has long sought to settle, will result in the school district receiving a parcel of land near the Robert J. Elkington Middle School. In exchange, the school district will transfer a separate parcel of land to the federal government.

"Getting this land swap issue resolved is important to the Grand Rapids School District and to the entire community," said Sen. Franken. "This has been an ongoing issue for many years and I'm glad our bill will finally give the go ahead to make this swap happen."

"The community of Grand Rapids has been waiting a long time for this land transfer to finally be resolved," said Sen. Klobuchar. "Our bill pushes it across the finish line and ensures the Grand Rapids School District will be able to use the land as it sees fit."

"This common sense land exchange bill will provide the Elkington Middle School with a new and safer place for students to be dropped off and picked up" said Rep. Nolan. "It was great to work with Senators Klobuchar and Franken to get this done for the Grand Rapids community."

The lawmakers' bill, which already passed in the House of Representatives, cleared the Senate today. Now it will be sent to the President's desk to be signed into law.

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