Klobuchar, Franken, Walz Announce Nearly $1 Million Grant for Blue Earth's North Industrial Park to Help Strengthen Local Economy

Press Release

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) and Representative Tim Walz (D-MN) announced nearly $1 million to help build and develop the City of Blue Earth's North Industrial Park. The three lawmakers said the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant-which is expected to help attract significant private investment-will pay for essential roadway, water, and sewer infrastructure to prepare sites for businesses to locate.

"This is great news for Blue Earth," said Klobuchar. "This support will go a long way to help the city and the region make critical investments in 21st century infrastructure that will help attract new businesses and strengthen the economy."

"Critical investments in infrastructure are one of the most effective ways to create jobs and spur our economy," said Sen. Franken. "This grant will do exactly that. It's a win-win: the City of Blue Earth can upgrade its essential infrastructure, which will attract private investment so local businesses can create jobs for Minnesotans."

"Investing in southern Minnesota's workforce is an investment worth making," said Rep. Walz. "This grant will go a long ways towards creating jobs and promoting prosperity in the City of Blue Earth."

Grants such as the one received by Blue Earth come from the EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, which assists state and local interests in designing and implementing strategies to adjust or bring about change to the economy. Earlier this summer, Senators Klobuchar and Franken, and Representative Walz sent letters urging the EDA to support the Blue Earth project.

The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

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