Two Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $1,056,017 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 Eyota and Waseca. It is expected to retain and create 645 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 Governor Tim Walz. “These grants will help spur that economic development and will create and retain 645 jobs in Eyota and Waseca.”

“DEED’s Business Development Public Infrastructure Program is committed to investing in Greater Minnesota cities and towns,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “These investments in Eyota and Waseca will support Minnesota’s economy and create job growth.”

The BDPI grant program supports 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.

The following is a breakdown of the latest funding:

Eyota - $434,727

Eyota was awarded $434,727 to assist with constructing a street and extending utilities to a new industrial park that will include a new Menards nail plant. The project will retain 20 jobs.

Waseca - $621,290

Waseca was awarded $621,920 to assist with increasing the size of a water main that allow the construction of a new Conagra food processing plant and for MJ Holdings to increase their manufacturing of hand sanitizer and extracting of CBD. The project will retain 180 full-time jobs, 250 seasonal employees, and create 195 new jobs.

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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 us on Twitter.