St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $1.56 million in grants to seven communities across Minnesota, including Albert Lea, to clean up or investigate eight contaminated sites approved for redevelopment.

According to a news release from DEED, Albert Lea's $50,000 grant is for investigation funding.

The city of Albert Lea is awarded $50,000 in investigation funding for this 5.50-acre site. Historically used as a meat packing plant, the site will be redeveloped into two apartment buildings with 48 units each. The project is anticipated to increase the tax base by $22,000. Matching funds will be provided by the City.

DEED’s Contamination Cleanup Grants cover up to 75% of the costs to remove contamination at approved polluted sites. The remaining costs are covered by cities and counties, other units of local government, and private landowners and developers. Grants are also awarded for contaminant investigation and response action plan development.

“These grants play a vital role in expanding economic opportunities across Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “When you also factor in the 633 jobs created and retained — the impact of these investments is clear to Minnesota’s families and workers.”

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DEED’s Contamination Cleanup Grant Program awarded the funding, which will leverage more than $225 million in private investment and create or retain 633 jobs. Local tax bases are expected to increase by $2.9 million through the redevelopment of the sites.

You can see the full list of grants awarded here.

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