One Southeast Minnesota town was awarded a grant worth over $700,000 to assist with a street and utility extension.

According to a release from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the department awarded $1,900,218 in grants for infrastructure for projects in greater Minnesota.

Dodge Center was one of the three towns to be awarded a portion of the funds. The release indicated that Dode Center was awarded $729,285 to assist with a street and utility extension, that will allow McNeilus Steel to expand:

"Dodge Center was awarded $729,285 to assist with a street and utility extension that will allow McNeilus Steel to expand. McNeilus Steel will invest $11.6 million in the expansion and add 50 new jobs"

The funding was awarded from DEED's Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program. The funds are expected to help great 207 full-time jobs and prepare the 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 over 200 jobs in Cold Spring, Dodge Center and Lakefield.”

Cold Spring was awarded $951,330 and Lakefield was awarded $219,600. You can read more about how the funds will be used HERE.

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