Watson Coleman: “traveling throughout rural Minnesota, I see a very real need for the revitalization and rebuilding of Main Streets, and…”

“traveling throughout rural Minnesota, I see a very real need for the revitalization and rebuilding of Main Streets, and this is why today I am introducing the Rural Renaissance Act with my good friends Senator Pryor of Arkansas, Senator Graham of South Carolina, and Senator DeWine of Ohio. This legislation acknowledges that rural America needs significant infrastructure investment if it is to join with the rest of the Nation in an economic recovery, and our bill proposes to apply $50 billion toward this end. Many Minnesota cities and towns need help with updating or expanding their drinking water supply systems or their wastewater treatment systems. The West Central Initiative and the USDA both estimate that there is a $1.5 billion gap between available local, State, and Federal resources and the amount needed by Minnesota communities. There are similar needs in communities throughout the rest of the Nation. Decaying physical infrastructure needs to be addressed because it impacts more than just health and quality of life. It also impacts the ability of a city or town to build housing, provide services, ensure access to information, and grow jobs.”