Rep. Craig Seeks $6.9M In Federal Funds For Lakeville Rail Car Storage

LAKEVILLE, MN — U.S. Rep. Angie Craig Thursday announced her submission for the city of Lakeville to receive over $6.9 million to build a freight rail car storage and loading facility.

Craig submitted the request through the Community Project Funding program, which allows members of Congress to request funding for up to 15 specific projects in their districts.

The projects must serve the public good.

"I’m proud to announce my submission for Lakeville to receive federal support for this important project," Craig said in a statement.

"Constructing a new freight rail car storage and transload facility will not only reduce storage burdens on the city and its residents, but will also support economic development in Minnesota’s fastest growing community."

For years, rail operators have been storing unsecured freight rail cars near schools, homes, and businesses in the Lakeville area. As a result, unauthorized people can easily access the unsecured freight rail cars, creating unsafe and potentially dangerous situations, according to Craig's office.

According to Craig's proposal, a freight rail car storage and loading facility would eliminate "the incompatible practice" of mixing industrial activities in non-industrial areas.

"As the fastest growing city in Dakota County and the Twin Cities Metropolitan region, Lakeville is thrilled to be included in Representative Craig’s Community Project Funding requests to update freight rail car facilities to ensure our city is able to keep up with this steady growth," said Lakeville Mayor Doug Anderson."

"This funding will allow us to alleviate public safety issues and support our city’s economic development. The widespread benefits of this new and improved facility will be felt across our entire city."

The House Appropriations Committee said it intends to fund community projects on a limited basis in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bills. Funding requests that address significant problems or provide a significant public good are more likely to be approved, according to officials.