Brainerd, Hackensack awarded funds for streetscape improvements

Ten Northern Minnesota communities will get hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state for housing, public infrastructure and commercial rehabilitation projects.

They’re part of $21 million in grants announced by the Department of Employment and Economic Development for small Greater Minnesota communities. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Cities with less than 50,000 residents and townships and counties with less than 200,000 residents are eligible.

"Funding through DEED's Small Cities Development Program enables cities to undertake projects that promote economic vitality and quality of life in their communities,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek in a news release.

“These grants ensure all Minnesotans feel the benefits of economic development and have a safe, healthy community and home, regardless of where they live.”

The grantees are:

• Brainerd - $600,000 for streetscape improvements
• Erskine - $600,000 for water tower improvements
• Hackensack - $600,000 for streetscape improvements
• Hendrum - $600,000 for water distribution line improvements
• Kennedy - $600,000 for water distribution line improvements
• Lancaster - $143,750 to rehabilitate 10 multi-family units
• Mentor - $425,500 to rehabilitate 10 owner-occupied homes and three commercial buildings
• Sebeka - $582,650 for wastewater treatment plant improvements
• Winger - $598,000 to rehabilitate 15 owner-occupied homes and four commercial buildings
• Lake of the Woods County - $575,000 to rehabilitate 20 owner-occupied homes