Waltham city officials learned this week that their city will receive a Small Cities Development Grant of $225,000 from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED).

Monday, March 11, 2002

Waltham city officials learned this week that their city will receive a Small Cities Development Grant of $225,000 from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED).

The grant funds, along with an additional $112,250 in city funds, will be used to rebuild and upgrade the city’s sewer collection and treatment system.

"We congratulate the city of Waltham for this accomplishment," DTED Commissioner Rebecca Yanisch said.

"These grants are highly sought after, and competition among applicants is intense. The benefits derived from prudent economic development are invaluable, and decent housing, sound commercial districts and adequate infrastructure are an important part of the package.

"I commend the officials and residents of Waltham for stepping forward and creating a better community and climate where economic development can happen."

The Small Cities Development Program is administered by DTED’s Business and Community Development Division.

The program offers financial assistance for new housing, building conversion, housing and commercial rehabilitation, as well as municipal projects including drinking water, waste water, storm sewer and flood control projects.

Housing and commercial rehabilitation grants are used to provide individual loans to correct serious structural deficiencies and code violations in their homes and businesses.

This year’s awards will help build or renovate 800 housing units and 144 commercial projects and support 11 municipal infrastructure projects.

Of the 31 projects, nine are mixed use development or redevelopment projects. In the past 10 years, the Small Cities Development Program has provided assistance to more than 250 Minnesota communities.