Comprehensive Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Strategy: Opportunity for Public Review and Comment
Through October 23, all residents of Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, and Renville Counties are encouraged to review the latest draft of the Mid-Minnesota Comprehensive Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS can be thought of as a 5-year economic development roadmap for our four-county area. It is intended to help regional partners work toward a stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant economy. It is also the mechanism by which our region receives designation as an Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» District. This is important, as district designation is the first hurdle for stakeholders interested in pursuing federal Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Administration grants for commerce supporting projects. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» must also verify that the application-related project is in harmony with the approved CEDS.
Recently, several EDA grants have been approved for our region. In total, almost $10 million has been awarded to support:
- The redevelopment of an important Renville County roadway, adjacent to Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Forsman Farms, and Transystems (Co. Rd. 21)
- Improvements to Willmar’s industrial park, and
- The construction of a new electrician training facility, on Ridgewater College’s Hutchinson campus.
Please consider reading our updated CEDS. You may then comment and submit your questions via email to Eric.Day@mmrdc.org. After the 30-day public comment period has concluded, input will be incorporated as appropriate. The updated CEDS document will be brought forward for approval and adoption at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s December Commission meeting. Once adopted, it will be submitted to the U.S. EDA for their approval.
