U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.4 Million to Protect Businesses from Flooding in Roseau, Minnesota

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.4 million grant to the city of Roseau, Minnesota, construct new stormwater infrastructure that will prevent flooding near local businesses during heavy rain events.

This grant will expand the city’s stormwater capacity to minimize the economic disruption to manufacturing and other businesses along Highway 89 during flooding conditions, including delays with production and transportation of goods. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.4 million in local funds and is expected to create five jobs, retain 813 jobs, and generate $13 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to the success and prosperity of families, communities, and businesses in Minnesota and across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will ensure that Roseau, Minnesota has the infrastructure needed to support their growing economy in the aftermath of heavy rain, flooding, and other natural disasters.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based project in Roseau will provide critical infrastructure to ensure the local economy continues to thrive in the event of future flooding in northern Minnesota.”

“Roseau is home to many businesses that strengthen the local economy, but these operations are at risk of flooding during heavy rain,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “This federal grant will invest in the city’s stormwater system to bolster its resiliency during extreme weather conditions.”

“The resiliency of Minnesotans and our local economies is strong,” said Senator Tina Smith. “This money from the federal government will allow Roseau to update the city’s stormwater infrastructure, helping protect residents and small businesses from future flooding so the local economy can continue to thrive.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC). EDA funds NWRDC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.