Oct. 12 - DEED, Mn/DOT Launch Two Project Funding Programs

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) have formed two programs that will make $79 million available to communities for highway improvements and public infrastructure projects that support economic development, safety and mobility.

The Transportation Economic Development (TED) Pilot Program, a joint program between DEED and Mn/DOT, will make $39 million available to improve roads, create jobs and encourage economic development in Minnesota. The Safety and Mobility (SAM) Program will provide $40 million to address the state trunk highway system’s critical safety and mobility needs through new or improved interchange projects.

“This is the first time Mn/DOT and DEED have collaborated on a program that addresses the twin goals of better highways and economic growth,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “These unique programs will create jobs and encourage private investment in Minnesota communities.”

“Safety is our top priority,” added Mn/DOT Commissioner Tom Sorel. “The SAM Program will allow us to fund critical interchange improvements that will help make roadways safer for Minnesota motorists. TED will allow us to help Minnesota communities grow and prosper and help provide for a sustainable future.”

TED funding will be available as follows:

• $30 million for building highway interchanges that promote economic development and improve traffic congestion and safety

• $5 million for trunk highway improvements

• $4 million for public infrastructure projects, including $3 million for projects in Greater Minnesota and $1 million for projects that support innovative business developments throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities

TED may pay up to 70 percent of the costs for trunk highway interchanges and other improvements. This funding will come from trunk highway bonds. TED may provide up to 50 percent of the costs for public infrastructure projects necessary for non-trunk highway improvements. The infrastructure funding will come from two DEED programs: the Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program and the Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure Program. The remaining costs must come from other federal, state, local and private funding sources. The maximum amount of funding any project can receive is $10 million.

The SAM Program is funded with $40 million in trunk highway bonds legislatively designated for interchange construction. SAM grants will fund up to 100 percent of selected projects. There is no match requirement.

All units of government in Minnesota are eligible for funding under the TED Program. Applications for the SAM Program will be made through Mn/DOT districts. Project applications are due Dec. 10. Projects selected for funding are expected to be announced in late December.

Informational sessions on the programs, including application procedures, will be held at the following locations later this month:

• Mankato City Hall, 10 Civic Center Plaza, 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 25

• Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85^th Ave. N., 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 26

• Little Falls, Initiative Foundation, 405 First St. SE, 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 28

Anyone planning to attend a session should reserve a spot by sending an e-mail to Gloria.Stiehl@state.mn.us. Application forms and other details about TED are available online at http://tinyurl.com/PositivelyMinnesotaTED. More details about SAM can be found at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/sam.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com