Minnesota Awards Grants to Becker, Monticello, Sherburne County to Help Transition from Fossil Fuels

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is awarding $5.21 million in aid to communities with power plants to help replace jobs as the state transitions away from fossil fuels.

Locally, Sherburne County, Becker and Monticello will share in more than $2.5 million of that finding.

Becker will receive $770,000 to cover the planning costs for an environmental review and right-of-way access to develop an interchange at Highway 10 and Highway 25. The work is aimed at increasing safety and mobility while also improving access to the city’s business park. Officials say the project is essential as Becker moves forward with retiring the Sherburne County Generating Station coal-fired power plant.

Meanwhile, Sherburne County will receive $1 million to fund planning for road improvements on Highway 25 between Interstate 94 in Monticello and Highway 10 in Big Lake. The upgrades include a new Mississippi River crossing. According to a press release, a new bridge will help create more jobs and promote business growth. The funds will be used for an environmental assessment and outreach to local officials and the public.

Monticello will get $1 million to help the city plan and extend utilities needed to develop land for an industrial park. The city stated that the move would help create jobs and grow its tax base.

Other communities getting funding are Oak Park Heights, Red Wing and Cook County.

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