The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Thursday grants totaling $5.3 million were approved for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities.

Kenyon receives $672,096 to assist with construction of streets, water, sewer and electric utilities for a new business park.  The project is expected to create 60 jobs in five years.  The new area will be developed where crops are currently located just east of Kenyon on the north side of Goodhue County Road 12.

In a news release issued by DEED Governor Tim Walz is quoted, "Investments in public infrastructure are critical to the economic success of Greater Minnesota communities.  These grants will help spur economic development and create quality jobs in Hutchinson, Kenyon, Paynesville, Perham and Sleepy Eye."

DEED Commmissioner Steve Grove says, "BDPI grants are an effective way for Greater Minnesota communities to better prepare themselves for economic development opportunity.  The grants help construct roads, install public utilities and increase the local tax base."

Under the BDPI grant program, DEED awards 50 percent of eligible capital costs for the qualifying public infrastructure projects.  Projects include wastewater collection and treatment, drinking water, storm sewers and more.

The largest grant went to Paynesville, $1,907,500 to assist in separating and treating wastewater from Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI).  The company is completing a significant expansion which will result in increased wastewater being sent to the city's wastewater treatment facility.  The expansion will increase processing from 2.4 million pounds of milk per day to 3 million pounds.

The smallest grant awarded was in the amount of $353,563 to Hutchinson to assist in creating a new city street where a private road in poor condition exists.  The new street will provide better access  to UPONOR who has committed $12.4 million to purchasing and remodeling a 237,000 square foot building.  The new facility will create 100 new jobs in five years.

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