ST. PAUL – Grants totaling $5.24 million were approved by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities. DEED awarded the funding from its Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program for projects in Royalton, Brooten, Marshall and Luverne. The grants were approved during the fourth quarter of 2017.

“These grants demonstrate how state government and the private sector can collaborate to create greater opportunity and continued economic growth throughout Minnesota,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Working together, these business expansions will support vibrant communities and create nearly 100 new jobs in Royalton, Brooten, Marshall and Luverne.”

 

“These cities will add jobs, increase their tax bases and attract businesses because of the support they received from this program,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “These grants are an important economic development tool for communities throughout the state.”

 

Under the program, DEED awards grants for up to 50 percent of the cost of public infrastructure that supports economic development outside the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Eligible infrastructure includes wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water, storm sewers, utility extensions and streets. The DEED website has more details about the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program. The following is a breakdown of the latest funding round:

The grant will support a sewer improvement project and roadway in an existing industrial park. The total estimated project cost is $2.78 million. These improvements will expand sanitary service throughout the park and extend a water main. This project will help retain employees and open up four vacant sites for future development.

 

The grant will assist with the expansion of Ralco Nutrition Tru Shrimp. The $5.39 million infrastructure project will include street improvements north of Koehn Avenue, as well as storm and sanitary sewer, water main and other site improvements. This project has the potential to create 74 full-time jobs and increase economic development activity in the area.

 

Funding will assist the city in extending water and sewer service to a new industrial park at an estimated cost of $454,028. The 19.2-acre site will encourage business expansion and create local jobs.

Funding will support development of a new industrial park to accommodate an expansion by Ralco Nutrition. The $5.15 million project will extend road, water main, storm and sanitary sewer service to a 9-acre lot. Twenty jobs will be created initially.

 

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.