EVELETH — Twenty-one projects across northeastern Minnesota gained approval for Culture & Tourism grants funded through taxes paid by the state's mining industry.
The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation based in Eveleth awards the grants.
“Arts, culture, history, tourism and recreational activities are essential to the quality of life and economy of our region,” an agency news release stated.
Twenty-one projects were awarded $310,374. Those eligible for grants include cities, townships, tribal governments and governmental entities created pursuant to Minnesota statutes located within the agency's service area. Multi-organization collaboration is encouraged, the agency stated.
Email Danae Beaudette for Culture & Tourism grant information or call her at 218-735-3022.
- Aitkin County Friends of the Arts: $29,537 to develop an outdoor terrace for community events.
- American Bear Association: $15,000 to construct a three-season building.
- Breitung Township: $18,000 to improve two outdoor recreation areas.
- City of Aitkin: $3,000 to replace community welcome signs.
- City of Aurora: $10,000 to surface the parking lot for the splash pad, rink and activity courts at Pine Grove Park.
- City of Buhl: $11,084 to renovate a community park.
- City of Kinney: $10,000 to renovate a community playground.
- City of Virginia: $20,000 to improve the aesthetics, accessibility and safety of the entry and exit points to Olcott Park.
- Crow Wing County Land Services: $30,000 to add a fishing pier, swimming beach and picnic shelter to Little Emily Lake Park.
- Friends of the Finland Community: $7,500 to construct a community outdoor hearth at Clair Nelson Center.
- Goodland Township: $30,000 to renovate and expand a community park and playground.
- Hibbing Dylan Project: $3,000 to upgrade the city of Hibbing’s downtown speaker and sound system to accommodate community events.
- Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists: $21,250 to launch a collaborative advertising campaign that promotes the region’s mountain bike trails: Redhead, Cuyuna, Tioga and Giants Ridge.
- Itasca County Agricultural Association, doing business as Lights in the Pines: $8,903 to launch a marketing campaign and purchase supplies for a winter lights drive-thru at the Itasca County Fairgrounds.
- Jim Gillach Memorial: $15,000 to renovate existing tennis courts into pickleball courts.
- John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon: $4,000 to update the event’s website.
- Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability: $2,500 to construct a concert stage shelter at Virginia Market Square, a local farmers market.
- Kootasca Community Action: $30,000 to develop a new playground at an early childhood hub.
- Lake County Historical Society: $8,600 to replace the Two Harbors Lighthouse beacon.
- Laurentian Arts & Culture Alliance: $3,000 to purchase portable audio and lighting equipment for music, theatre, arts, civic, cultural and educational programs at the Lyric Center in Virginia.
Wabana Township: $30,000 to enhance the community park and outdoor recreation complex.
