Virginia, Grand Rapids child care organizations selected for federal funds

WASHINGTON — Over $1 million in federal funds have been earmarked for Northern Minnesota child care organizations.

Apple Tree Learning Center in Virginia and KOOTASCA Community Action’s Early Childhood Hub in Grand Rapids were included in the Senate’s appropriations legislation.

Apple Tree would use $1 million to repair its center in Virginia, which would restore almost 130 child care slots on the Iron Range. The nonprofit was forced to relocate to Eveleth in March because of roof problems at its Virginia facility.

KOOTASCA’s hub is in the former Murphy Elementary building, which is over 70 years old. The hub serves 174 children through a mix of public and private child care providers. It would use $315,000 to replace its deteriorating main water line.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar visited KOOTASCA in October 2024. At the time, she noted that the child care shortage is impacting all families, regardless of location or income.

“It’s everyone,” Klobuchar said. “In some ways, because it’s such a massive need in rural areas of our country, it does create an opening for political support.”

She and Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minnesota, secured the funding through a process called Congressionally Directed Spending, where legislators put forward project proposals to benefit communities.

“Access to affordable childcare is essential, because it gives parents the freedom to pursue their careers and contribute to the economy, and it supports the safe and healthy development of our kids,” Smith stated in news releases about the funding.

Klobuchar submitted nearly 300 projects, according to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The child care projects are among just 15 of her submissions that were selected to receive funds. The legislation passed the Senate earlier this month and now goes to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Other Northern Minnesota projects selected include:

• $1.8 million for Grand Itasca for emergency department renovation 
• $1.1 million for Range Mental Health Center to improve accessibility and security 
• $1.9 million for Northwest Technical College for manufacturing education and training programs 
• $666,000 for Red Lake Nation College for improving postsecondary and career pathways programs 
• $450,000 for Bemidji Fire Station 1 upgrade 
• $1 million for Lake of the Woods County for a fast response boat for search and rescue 
• $1.5 million for St. Louis County for the Counties Records System Collaborative 
• $2 million for North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems for MN Native American Economic Empowerment project 
• $1.5 million for Floodwood for water infrastructure improvements 
• $1 million for Grand Marais for wastewater treatment improvements 
• $500,000 for the Brainerd Historic Water Tower Preservation Committee 
• $300,000 for the Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter expansion 
• $2.5 million for Greater Bemidji for Bemidji Rail Corridor Redevelopment