Nearby flooding latest setback for International Falls
Nearby flooding is the latest in a series of challenges for the state's northernmost town, where residents and leaders don't always agree, but they're fighting back.
The current framework for the bonding proposal would put $1 billion toward state agency projects with an emphasis on preserving existing assets. Local projects would get $400 million. But with just hours before a deadline to pass any bills, no proposal had fully materialized.
Earmarks have been absent from spending bills since the early years of Barack Obama’s presidency. Now they're back under names like "congressionally directed spending" and "community project funding." In the past week, Minnesota Democrats have put out statements touting millions in direct funding they obtained for Minnesota. All but two members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation had their names attached to some earmarks.
Minnesota health department and pollution control officials estimate the state will need to spend $12.5 billion over the next 20 years to keep up with waste and drinking water needs.
