U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are calling on federal transportation officials to approve the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) for several federally funded road projects in Minnesota, citing concerns over potential construction delays.
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In a letter dated April 6, the lawmakers urged the Federal Highway Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to act quickly on pending approvals for five projects in St. Louis County.
“We write to request your prompt approval of the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLA) for five projects for which St. Louis County, Minnesota has been awarded federal funds,” the senators wrote. “These funds will improve the County’s roadways and provide good-paying construction jobs.”
According to the letter, St. Louis County submitted the PLAs to FHWA in August 2025 and is still awaiting approval to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The delay could disrupt project timelines, particularly given Minnesota’s limited construction season due to weather constraints.
“St. Louis County has a longstanding policy that requires PLAs on large road and bridge projects. In August 2025, the County submitted PLAs for these projects to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is awaiting approval to ensure the projects remain eligible for FHWA funding. The swift approval is crucial to prevent further delays in getting these projects bid and construction started during Minnesota’s weather-constrained construction season,” the senators continued.
The projects awaiting approval include multiple County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) improvements, covering key corridors such as CSAH 21, CSAH 84 (Hobson Lake Road), CSAH 88 (Grant McMahan Boulevard), CSAH 91 (40th Avenue West) and CSAH 98 (Canosia Road).
Project labor agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements that establish terms and conditions of employment for construction projects. Proponents argue that PLAs help ensure workforce stability, standardize wages and reduce the risk of labor disruptions.
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For public agencies and contractors, the approval of PLAs can be a critical step in advancing projects to the bidding and construction phases. Without FHWA authorization, federally funded projects may face uncertainty or delays in procurement.
The senators emphasized the urgency of federal action, noting that timely approval would help ensure projects move forward as planned and support job creation in the region.
“We respectfully request that PLAs be approved for these projects as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this important issue,” the letter concluded.
For construction stakeholders, the situation highlights the intersection of federal oversight, labor policy and project delivery timelines, particularly in regions where seasonal constraints limit construction windows.
Originally reported by Klobuchar.
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