The state of Minnesota said Friday that it has awarded $2.4 million in redevelopment grants to erase blighted pockets of Barnesville, Clara City, Duluth, Hendricks, Hinckley, Minneapolis, Northfield, Ortonville and St. Paul.
The grants, 11 in all, are part of the Redevelopment Grant Program run by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
"With the help of this program, new jobs are being created and blighted properties returned to productive use," said DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips in a statement.
The program helps cities and counties pay for about half the redevelopment costs associated with restoring blighted industrial, residential or commercial properties.
Grant recipients, who must provide matching funds, may use the state funds to buy land and buildings,and to cover costs for demolition, infrastructure and other project improvements.
The Redevelopment Grant Program has awarded $58.9 million since its start in 1998. It's funded 135 Minnesota projects, reclaimed 1,167 acres of troubled property, created 9,312 new jobs and retained 9,889 others. It's also generated $24.2 million in new tax revenue, officials said.
The program helps cities and counties pay for half the redevelopment costs associated with restoring blighted industrial, residential or commercial properties. Grant recipients, which must provide matching funds, may use the state funds to buy land and buildings, and to cover costs for demolition, infrastructure and other project improvements.
The Redevelopment Grant Program has awarded $58.9 million since its start in 1998. It's funded 135 Minnesota projects, reclaimed 1,167 acres of troubled property, created 9,312 new jobs and retained 9,889 others. It also generated $24.2 million in new tax revenue, officials said.
