Franken's staff hears investment struggles: Tour on infrastructure needs in Greater Minnesota brings politician aides to Bemidji

BEMIDJI -- According to Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota, there are three pillars to prosperity in the United States: research and development, education and infrastructure.

To ensure the last pillar stays strong, Franken has sent his staff to meet with local officials across Greater Minnesota to discover the needs and issues smaller governments are dealing with when working on infrastructure.

On Wednesday, the infrastructure tour for Franken's staff came to Bemidji, where State Policy Advisor Jake Schwitzer and Northwest Minnesota Regional Field Representative Carson Ouellette met with a variety of municipality officials. In attendance at the conference were representatives from the city of Bemidji, Beltrami County, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and surrounding communities.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4073963-senator-franken-frankens-staff-hears-investment-struggles-tour-infrastructure