U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.4 Million for Utility Upgrades to Support Business Growth in Granite Falls, 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 Granite Falls, Minnesota, for electrical grid upgrades in support of local businesses.

This grant will provide an updated utility infrastructure, providing businesses with reliable service during future natural disasters. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.9 million in local funds, is expected to create or retain 275 jobs, and generate $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that communities in Minnesota and across the country have the disaster-resistant infrastructure we need in the 21st century. This EDA investment will strengthen the electrical grid and create hundreds of jobs in Granite Falls, bolstering the local economy and community,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota, as it builds capacity for economic growth in the region,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will update critical electrical utility infrastructure that will not only build economic resiliency, but also allow for future business growth and expansion that will increase demand on the grid system.”

“A modernized power grid enables rural communities to keep pace with investment into local businesses,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “This federal funding will enable Granite Falls to upgrade its electric utility infrastructure to make it more resilient against future natural disasters.”

“Reliable electricity is vital to every thriving community, and Granite Falls is no exception,” said Senator Tina Smith. “This grant will strengthen electricity grid infrastructure in Granite Falls, support local business and improve the lives of the community.”

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.