EXCERPT: “The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that it has awarded $919,522 in grants to infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota. The funding awarded from DEED’s Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) was approved for International Falls, Pequot Lakes, Princeton and Winsted. It is expected to retain and create 774 full-time jobs and prepare these cities for future growth. ‘Investments in public infrastructure are critical to the economic success of Greater Minnesota communities,’ said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. ‘As our state continues on its path to economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, these infrastructure investments are a vital tool for future economic growth. We urge the Minnesota Legislature to consider options to increase funding capacity for BDPI grants in the future.’ The BDPI grant program stimulates new economic development, creates new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure in communities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Under the program, DEED awards 50% of eligible capital costs for the qualifying public infrastructure projects. These projects include wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water, storm sewers and more.” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/2DrNGGj
