Significant funding for local projects in Brainerd and Little Falls has been secured by Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar through the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget.

According to a press release, the projects will support construction of a new dining facility at Camp Ripley and increase access to affordable child care.

$3 million will go toward the Camp Ripley construction project to improve utilities, emergency response services and other facility infrastructure needs. The Brainerd YMCA will receive $600,000 to purchase a vacant building and create a child care center for up to 74 infants and toddlers. The Morrison County United Way also earned $14,000 for their “Library and Tools for School” child literacy program.

The funding was secured through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending.”

Funding for the projects will be distributed over the next several months.

By — Mary Balstad