The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced that Senate District 9 will receive more than $2.7 million in Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) funds. This initiative is designed to assist cities, townships and counties with critical funding for housing, public infrastructure and commercial rehabilitation projects.

“Congratulations to the communities in Senate District 9 on receiving this funding,” said Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls). “I appreciate the local leaders who worked hard to make this happen, and I am excited to see these investments yield upgraded infrastructure and enhanced neighborhoods in our area.”

In Senate District 9, the following communities will receive funding:

• City of Garfield: $589,950 for public facility improvements, specifically to repave streets following sewer main replacements.

• City of Pelican Rapids: $948,750 for the rehabilitation of 17 owner-occupied homes and 10 commercial buildings.

• Wilkin County: $1,173,000 for the rehabilitation of 20 owner-occupied homes and 13 commercial buildings.

“This substantial financial support will greatly benefit Pelican Rapids by enhancing our commercial sector and improving the quality of owner-occupied homes in the city. We are thrilled to see such a significant investment in our community and are grateful for regional and state efforts in securing Pelican Rapids this funding,” said Jordan Grossman, EDA Director, Community and Economic Development Associates, City of Pelican Rapids, Minn.

“Receiving this funding is a tremendous opportunity for Wilkin County to revitalize our neighborhoods and support local businesses. We are excited to see these projects come to life and appreciate the collaborative efforts that made this possible,” said Eric Klindt, Wilkin County commissioner.

The SCDP grants are administered by DEED and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 2024 program will allocate more than $20.8 million across Minnesota. Eligible applicants include cities with populations under 50,000 and townships and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents. The funding will facilitate the rehabilitation of commercial and residential properties, public facility improvements, and other economic development initiatives.

“The City of Garfield has been dedicated to public improvement initiatives for many years, and we are grateful for the $589,950 grant from the MN DEED SCDP program, which will help us continue these vital infrastructure enhancements,” said John Meyer, applicant author and registered municipal finance advisor principal for the City of Garfield. “This funding will specifically address the streets affected by a past sanitary sewer main project funded by USDA RD, which caused uneven surfaces, cracking, and rutting. Our proposed solution involves milling the streets and applying a 1½-inch asphalt overlay to restore their durability and safety.”

For more information on the SCDP visit www.mn.gov/deed/government/financial-assistance/community-funding/small-cities.jsp