Two Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grant

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $1,895,000 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 Princeton and Sauk Centre. It is expected to retain and create 190 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. “These grants will help spur that economic development and will create and retain 190 jobs in Princeton and Sauk Centre.”

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:

Princeton – $575,000

Princeton was awarded $575,000 to assist with extensions of street and utilities to allow Northwoods Manufacturing and Sylva Corporation to expand. The companies project to retain and add 170 full-time jobs.

Sauk Centre – $1,320,000

Sauk Centre was awarded $1,320,000 to assist with public infrastructure for a new 58-acre industrial park. The city estimates $177 million in private investment and 20 new jobs in the park within 5 years. The industrial park will provide additional capacity for long-term growth.

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.