FY25 Community Project Funding
(taking place Spring 2024)
The application window for FY25 CPF funding through Rep. Omar's office is closed. Please see below for the projects were chosen for the FY25 cycle
The 15 projects below were submitted to the Appropriations Committee by Rep. Omar in May 2024 for the FY25 CPF cycle.
Hennepin County Emergency Shelter System
- Requesting Entity, Address: Hennepin County -300 6th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55487
- Amount Requested: $5,000,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used to fund the Agate Housing and Services new emergency shelter, which is designed to give people the services they need to move on to permanent housing. The current emergency shelters have operated at capacity for many years. Designed with the direct input of shelter guests, the new shelter will provide for 54 guests with overflow if needed. It will better serve guests in a safer, more comfortable sleeping layout with six-person rooms versus large, congregate, traditional shelter structure and give outreach workers new spaces to connect with those resistant to shelter with 24-hour staffing to support guests' needs for services.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minneapolis, MN are experiencing increased homelessness, and this project prototypes a better emergency shelter for families, low-income citizens, and others who are unable to find long-term housing.
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Spring Lake Park Stormwater Resiliency Project
- Requesting Entity, Address: Spring Lake Park - 1301 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
- Amount Requested: $850,000
- Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Clean Water
The funding would be used to enhance Spring Lake Park’s resilience to the increasing incidence of severe weather. The project will address the deficiencies of the existing stormwater pipes, which are now significantly undersized for current rainstorm conditions, by installing critical stormwater infiltration areas throughout the city. These improvements will mitigate flooding, protect properties and public infrastructure, and improve stormwater quality by effectively filtering pollutants before they enter local waterways.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Spring Lake Park rely on the city to provide safe and storm-resistant public infrastructure to safeguard the community’s health, safety, and economic stability. The project also provides a public good by protecting the city’s natural resources and contributing to public safety and quality of life for its Residents.
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Crystal MAC Wildlife Area ADA-compliant Trail and Boardwalk Walking Loop
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Crystal - 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55422.
- Amount Requested: $1,750,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used for completing a 1.1-mile ADA-compliant walking loop around a pond at the wildlife area. This project will construct 3,350 linear feet (LF) of crushed gravel path, 660 LF of reconstructed boardwalk, and 550 LF of new boardwalk. Two phases of this project have been completed with non-federal funds, but the loop is still not fully accessible. Phase 3 will complete the project, making the entire trail loop accessible.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because completing this accessible trail route will allow significantly better walking access for residents of this low-to-moderate income part of the city and those with mobility impairments. Additionally, the trail loop allows residents of these communities to easily connect to natural resource-based experiences like walking and birding located close to home.
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Robbinsdale Storm Sewer Rehabilitation and Expansion
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Robbinsdale - 4100 Lake Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN, 55422
- Amount Requested: $2,500,000
- Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Clean Water
The funding would be used for the construction of an enhanced storm-sewer that runs through the adjacent Sanborn Park and discharges into Crystal Lake. The enhancements include new box culverts, upsizing pipes, and other mechanisms to convey the large volumes of water collected from the upstream.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Robbinsdale, MN rely on the City to maintain the safest and securest sewage infrastructure to ensure clean and hygienic water systems as a public good.
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City of Hilltop Emergency Tornado Shelter
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Hilltop - 4555 Jackson Street NE, Hilltop, MN 55421
- Amount Requested: $2,600,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used to build a 6,000 sq. ft. Emergency Tornado Shelter to improve public safety for residents of manufactured homes which dominate the community. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the housing units in the community are manufactured homes which are extremely vulnerable to tornadoes and other extreme weather. Established decades before shelters became mandatory, none of the parks in Hilltop have formal tornado shelters, they have evacuation plans in lieu of shelters. The only shelter in the community in the basement of City Hall is not handicap accessible and has a capacity of only 174.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Hilltop, MN rely on public facilities to enhance their public safety, especially in this low-income community dominated by manufactured housing.
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Generation Hope Justice Empowerment Initiative
- Requesting Entity, Address: Generation Hope - 326 Cedar Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
- Amount Requested: $1,460,877
- Account: Commerce, Justice, & Science - Byrne Justice
The funding would be used for job-specific training, computer skills development, peer support services, and access to education, so that participants are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for workforce success. This project would support sustained integration of youth into the economy and community, providing a pathway to their future keeps people engaged with the city and community.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minnesota rely on having educational and developmental opportunities to help strengthen the workforce and uplift the community. Funding for this organization would enable greater opportunities for sustainable employment in the city by helping capable workers grow in their skills and education.
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Minneapolis Pedestrian Access and Safety Improvements
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Minneapolis - 350 S 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Amount Requested: $5,000,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used for expediting the construction of ADA compliant pedestrian curb ramps to create a more equitable and sustainable transportation system in Minnesota’s largest city. These upgrades will improve access to numerous spaces including businesses, parks, and transit services, bring pedestrian ramps in compliance with Federal ADA, and accelerate transportation equity.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minnesota rely on the city to provide easy and equitable access to all spaces in their city. The funding would improve the ADA-compliance of the pedestrian walkways, providing a public good for all residents and visitors, and especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
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Richfield 73rd Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connections
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Richfield - 6700 Portland Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
- Amount Requested: $960,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development: DOT, Highway Infrastructure Projects
The funding would be used for the reconstruction of the existing, non-ADA compliant pedestrian bridge over I-35W at 73rd Street in Richfield, MN. The project would include reconstruction of the bridge to meet ADA-compliant requirements and will construct new trail connections to existing trail facilities in the vicinity, including the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and Lyndale Avenue.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the reconstruction of a safer and more expansive pedestrian bridge would improve the safety and ability of residents to safely cross the interstate. This project also creates a safer, more direct path to Richfield Middle School and Richfield High School for students, and a connection to the Three Rivers Park District regional trail system for access to local Richfield businesses and destinations.
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Brooklyn Center STEAM Elementary Community Schoolyard
- Requesting Entity, Address: Independent School District 286, Brooklyn Center Community Schools - 5910 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- Amount Requested: $1,707,450
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used for transforming Brooklyn Center Elementary’s schoolyard into a vibrant nature-rich Community Schoolyard. Community Schoolyards are outdoor spaces that are designed to address health, equity, and climate issues, through a community-led process. The project includes a renovated multipurpose field, accessible playground, outdoor classroom, nature play, basketball court, quarter-mile walking loop, trees, and green infrastructure—all amenities that students and neighbors identified as high priority.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because students, families, and residents of Brooklyn Center rely on schools to provide access to robust and safe learning spaces that will contribute to the development of the social and emotional skills of their community. Over 3,000 neighbors in a 10-minute walk and almost 900 students at the school will benefit from expanded play and recreation areas, shading, trees, and green infrastructure, providing a public good to the taxpayers of Brooklyn Center.
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Fridley Northtown Railyard Overpass Connector
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Fridley - 7071 University Ave. NE, Fridley, MN 55432
- Amount Requested: $3,000,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development: DOT, Highway Infrastructure Projects
The funding would be used for the construction of a roadway connection and overpass of the BNSF Northtown Yard, the largest railyard in MN. The project will extend 57th Avenue over the railyard with a bridge that will carry a two-lane roadway and 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides. The project also includes a roundabout at the intersection of 57th Avenue and Main Street NE.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve connectivity for low-income residents of the Fridley community on the west side of the railyard to the retail, commercial and light industrial spaces on the east. This project provides job opportunities, access to essential services, and connects the community to the regional transit network, trail system, and pedestrian and bicycle network.
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Completion of the Upper St. Anthony Lock Disposition Study
- Amount Requested: $450,000
- Account: Energy & Water Development: Army Corps of Engineers
The entity to receive funding for this project is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will ensure the USACE St. Paul District is able to complete the disposition study of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock on schedule, allowing earlier Congressional action authorizing the conveyance of lands to the City of Minneapolis to move forward. Without this support, the disposition study is likely to draw on for multiple years, leading to ballooning costs as work must be restarted each fiscal year and inch forward slightly until funds run out. Community Project Funding ensures that this study is completed at the lowest cost possible to the taxpayer.
The City of Minneapolis designated Owámniyomni Okhódayapi to work with the Corps of Engineers to expedite the conveyance of the upland real property. Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is a Dakota-led organization with support and partnership from the four Minnesota Dakota Nations, dedicated to telling the story of the indigenous people. The plan for the reuse of the site has strong community support. Without the timely completion of the disposition study, an array of local, state, and private investments in the project may be lost.
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New Hope Sanitary Sewer Lining
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of New Hope - 4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
- Amount Requested: $1,800,000
- Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Clean Water
The funding would be used for the installation of a cured-in-place pipe in sanitary sewers within New Hope. This project is a proactive measure to renew the structurally deficient infrastructure and mitigate significant potential risks to community health.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of New Hope, MN rely on the sanitary sewer infrastructure as a public good. This project with ensure the continued quality of life for the residents of Minnesota’s 5th District.
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Columbia Heights Municipal Vehicle Facility Reconstruction
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Columbia Heights - 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
- Amount Requested: $9,000,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used for redeveloping the old municipal service center’s vehicle maintenance and storage facilities as there are key structural issues in the current facility. The steel is severely corroded on both the flooring and support columns of the entire building. The exterior masonry walls were never insulated, which allows moisture intrusion over time has deteriorated the exterior walls. The reconstruction will replace the facility’s Vehicle Maintenance Area and partially fund the reconstruction of the City’s Vehicle Storage/Shop facilities to allow for storage and maintenance of the City’s critical municipal vehicle fleet, including snowplows, street sweepers, pothole patchers, dump trucks, and more. The project will also remove conditions that pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the community.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because residents of Columbia Heights rely on the City’s municipal vehicle fleet for critical city functions such as snow plowing, street sweeping, and pothole repair, as a public good. The reconstruction will support these needed services while ensuring safe, functional, and accessible spaces for personnel, free from the risks posed by the deteriorating infrastructure.
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City of Minneapolis Fire Station Alerting System
- Requesting Entity, Address: City of Minneapolis - 350 S 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Amount Requested: $3,000,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)
The funding would be used for installing a new fire alerting system that reduces response time for emergencies and contributes to the health and wellness of firefighters. The new systems will allow information from emergency calls to be electronically transferred directly to the responding apparatus once the 911 call taker enters the information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Firefighters are dispatched instantaneously via electronic voice and alerting systems, thus cutting out the Fire Dispatcher step and reducing response time. The modern systems are also designed to ramp up the light and sound slowly, to reduce the systemic shock to the cardiac system caused every time a firefighter is more suddenly awakened by the system currently in use.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because taxpayers in Minneapolis rely on the City to provide them with the quickest and safest responses to their emergencies. The project will serve the residents and visitors to the City of Minneapolis by reducing response times, while also protecting the health and safety of firefighters.
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MSP Terminal 2 South Expansion – Airside Improvements
- Requesting Entity, Address: Metropolitan Airports Commission - 6040 S 28th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55450
- Amount Requested: $7,500,000
- Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development: DOT, Airport Improvement Program
The funding would be used for the construction of a concrete apron to the south of Terminal 2 to support future expansion of the terminal building and the addition of gates. The work includes removals, concrete pavement for the apron, utilities, fueling systems, fixed walkways, and passenger boarding bridges. As the rate of MSP’s domestic and international travel grew and the airport is expected to match its pre-pandemic high passenger year by 2026, this construction is critical to allow MSP to handle this growth.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the funding will significantly improve the travel experience for residents and visitors flying through MSP. The taxpayers of Minnesota rely on the Metropolitan Airports Commission to provide then with a safe, accessible, and clean traveler experience as a public good.
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Press Releases from Past Cycles
Explore these links to see the types of projects that Rep. Omar has chosen in previous cycles and their final funding amounts.
- Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY24 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
- Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY23 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
- Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY22 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
To view Rep. Omar’s FY24 CPF request, click here.