President Joe Biden arrived in Minnesota on Wednesday, kicking off a two-week "Investing in Rural America" tour alongside U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The purpose of the tour is to announce billions in investments for the country's rural communities.

Biden's first stop was at Dutch Creek Farms in Northfield, where he unveiled plans to allocate $5 billion in rural investments across the nation. A significant portion of this funding, approximately one-third, will be dedicated to "climate smart agriculture." Additionally, $274 million will be invested in expanding high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas. The remaining funds will be channeled towards initiatives focused on clean water, accessible and affordable energy, as well as infrastructure improvements.

The visit holds particular significance as it coincides with Democratic Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips' recent announcement of his candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections. Phillips, who has expressed the need for challengers to the incumbent Biden, made his intentions known shortly before the president's visit. It should be noted, however, that Biden's visit was pre-planned and unrelated to Phillips' announcement, according to his campaign.

This trip marks Biden's second visit to Minnesota this year, following his "Investing in America" tour in April, which took place at the Cummins Power Generation Facility in Fridley. The fact that Biden won Minnesota with a notable margin of over 233,000 votes in the 2020 presidential election further underscores the state's significance in his agenda.

For those unable to attend the event in person, WCCO will be live-streaming Biden's arrival and announcement. Additionally, they will provide extensive coverage of the president's visit online and on television throughout the day.

With these substantial investments, President Biden aims to demonstrate his commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainability across the nation.