Economic Boost for Rice Lake, Minnesota with New Federal Grant
The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Economic Development Administration (EDA), has allocated a $3.3 million grant to Rice Lake, Minnesota. This funding aims to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure, facilitating industrial development and job creation in the region.
Matching the federal grant, local authorities are contributing an additional $3.3 million. This investment is anticipated to establish a new Minnesota Power service center, an initiative crucial for an area hit by industrial closures and severe weather conditions. Projections indicate the creation of 150 new jobs, retention of 60 positions, and a stimulus of $150 million in private investments.
According to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is providing critical infrastructure upgrades in Minnesota and across the country to ensure that all communities can support business growth, spur private investments, and create high-quality, good paying jobs.”
Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, emphasized the EDA’s role in fostering local economic strategies, stating, “EDA is proud to partner with communities in Minnesota to make the infrastructure improvements needed to grow and sustain local economies.”
Senator Tina Smith highlighted the importance of infrastructure investments, noting that the grant will reinforce Rice Lake’s resilience against storms and expand economic prospects in the area. Similarly, Senator Amy Klobuchar stressed the necessity of water infrastructure improvements for community health and safety.
Representative Pete Stauber (MN-8) acknowledged the need for upgrading the city’s water and wastewater systems, citing the benefits to residents’ well-being and economic success. “I am pleased to see funding awarded to this community because it is essential to the health and well-being of the residents, and it will also ensure economic success and improve overall quality of life,” he stated.
The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) played a pivotal role in the regional planning efforts that facilitated this project. EDA’s support enables ARDC to collaborate with public and private entities to devise a roadmap for regional economic strengthening, capital investment, and job creation.
This initiative receives funding under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. This act allocated $483 million in additional funds for the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program, targeting disaster relief and recovery in areas affected by major disasters in 2021 and 2022. For further details, visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
