Rendering of proposed Lineage Logistics building in Luverne

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that it has awarded $2,314,457 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 Brooten, Redwood Falls, Luverne, and International Falls. It is expected to retain or create 226 full-time jobs and prepare these cities for future growth.

“DEED is committed to helping cities across Minnesota work toward a more equitable and thriving economic future,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “These investments will help create jobs and prepare our Greater Minnesota communities for additional economic 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 streets, wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water, storm sewers, and more.

The following is a breakdown of the latest funding:

Brooten - $661,000

The city of Brooten was awarded $661,000 to assist with constructing utility extensions for a new Jenniges Meat Processing facility. Jenniges will be investing $5.7 million into a new 15,000 square foot facility and increasing jobs from 7 to 31. The total utility extension project cost is $1,503,000.

Redwood Falls - $1,063,951

The city of Redwood Falls was awarded $1,063,951 to assist with constructing new streets and utilities within a new industrial park. The first phase of the park will include 20 acres and 3 lots. The city speculates the park will allow $3.9 million in private investment and create 50 new jobs. The total cost of the new streets and utilities will be $2,352,903.

Luverne - $467,422

The city of Luverne was awarded $467,422 to assist with extending streets and utilities within their industrial park to serve Lineage Logistics and others. Located next to the existing Premium Pork Plant, Lineage Logistics will be investing $50 million in a new 235,000 square foot cold storage facility. The company plans to create 75 jobs. Total cost of the public infrastructure project is $934,844.

International Falls - $122,084

The City of International Falls was awarded $122,084 to assist with relocating a sanitary sewer main to allow Greentech Manufacturing to expand. The company is investing $750,000 into a 10,000 square foot expansion that will allow them to grow from 60 to 70 full time employees. The total cost of the sewer relocation project is $267,769.