By james art 
An ambitious project for the creation of a terrestrial bridge over the I-94 in St. Paul to connect the historic district of Rondo, a hairless from the construction of interstate construction, received an additional impetus to federal funding.
Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and reputation Betty McColum praised the decision by the US Department of Transport to award another $ 2 million to St. Gender -based Reconnect Rondo.
Funding will allow the organization of the Community to continue its project development research, which would create a terrestrial bridge over Interstate, which, in his opinion, will bring economic growth and provide space for homes at affordable prices, small businesses, parks and more.
“This grant marks a major step forward for the Rondo community and our constant efforts to recover the lost,” said Keith Baker, CEO of Reconnect Rondo. “With this funding, we can take critical steps towards the reign of the African -American cultural corporate area, encouraging the economic capabilities and honoring Rondo’s rich heritage.”
The project is ultimately aimed at eliminating some of the damage caused by the Rondo neighborhood with the construction of the I-94 in the 1950s and 1960s, which required the destruction of homes, schools and businesses.
Rondo at that time was home to 85% of the city’s black population. According to the University of Minnesota, construction impact can still be seen, including problems with air quality, noise pollution and congestion, which has a negative effect on the business and quality of life of the residents.
The funds added to $ 2 million awarded in 2023, with all funding coming from the Investment and Jobs Act for Infrastructure and Jobs of Addon. Reconnect Rondo has also received $ 6.7 million in state planning and pre -development funds, which project leaders believe will cost between $ 13 and $ 15 million somewhere.
“Re -connecting communities strengthens our economy, makes our neighborhoods more festive and opens doors for opportunities,” Klobuchar said. “The Reconnect Rondo project will revive this historic neighborhood, provide a safe crossing of pedestrians and cyclists, allowing new homes for families and supporting the local business.”
Smith also shared his support in a statement, saying that the most remedies are “an important step towards connecting the Rondo neighborhood.”
“The Earth Bridge of the Rondo Community is an opportunity to deal with the historical damage caused by transport projects, while creating opportunities for new economic development,” Smith said.
“This funding for grants is an important step to re -connecting the Rondo neighborhood, laying the foundations for the future, which honors its history, while promoting new opportunities for community growth and development. I am happy that I can support this project as it moves forward. “
At the state level, the I-94 scrap effort as a highway between Minneapolis and St. Paul and turn it into a boulevard, instead received a blow last month, with the Ministry of Transport in Minnesota removed it from viewing for future improvements in I- 94, as reported by The Star Tribune.
Related: Amtrak Borealis Train among the beneficiaries of a new round of $ 145 million from federal funding