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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth Communications Office
Mayor Roger J. Reinert
411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802 • www.duluthmn.gov
411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information, please call 218-730-5309
DATE: 3/30/2012
SUBJECT: MN DEED Grant Boosts Bayfront Redevelopment
BY: Pakou Ly, Public Information Coordinator
SUBJECT: MN DEED Grant Boosts Bayfront Redevelopment
BY: Pakou Ly, Public Information Coordinator
MN DEED Grant Boosts Bayfront Redevelopment
[Duluth, MN] – A critical element needed to boost a major redevelopment project and set the foundation to revitalize Duluth’s waterfront has been achieved. The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) has been awarded almost $1 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Redevelopment Grant program to help jump start the Bayfront redevelopment project. DEDA and Pier B Investment Group are planning the project which boasts a hotel, conference center, condominiums, retail and recreation on DEDA owned property and the old LaFarge cement plant property. Duluth was selected among 27 proposals in this round of funding and received one of the largest grant awards statewide.
“This project is a great example of how DEDA can be a catalyst for redevelopment leveraging private sector investment. This grant brings Duluth closer to capitalizing on an incredible waterfront development opportunity. We are grateful for DEED’s support of ongoing redevelopment in Duluth,” said Brian Hanson, Executive Director of the Duluth Economic Development Authority.
The grant will help stabilize a crumbling seawall, readapt the existing silos for reuse, construct a sanitary sewer system and lift station, and support construction of additional infrastructure. Pier B investors faced a hurdle when considering all of the physical and environmental challenges that come with a longstanding industrial site. With the assistance of DEDA staff and this grant, the project has been given additional momentum to breathe new life into this prime waterfront property.
“We are appreciative of DEED for this grant opportunity. We would not have accomplished this without the support of DEDA and the City and their dedicated staff. The Pier B investors feel reinvigorated and are excited to move forward on this visionary project that will make Duluth a premier destination city,” said Sandy Hoff, with the Pier B Investment Group.
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