DEED Delivers


*For Immediate Release*




Mary Haugen

[email protected]




October 16, 2023

Media Resources [ [link removed] ]

Previous Announcements [ [link removed] ]





________________________________________________________________________



DEED announces $5 million grant round for community energy transition funding

*St. Paul* – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced a $5 million grant round for eligible communities facing fossil fuel power plant closures to help them craft and deploy economic growth strategies after the power plants close.

DEED’s Energy Transition Grant Program is designed to help so-called “energy transition communities” weather initial economic challenges after power plants close so they can eventually take full advantage of the post-fossil fuel clean-energy economy.

“Moving away from fossil fuels provides ample benefits for Minnesotans: cleaner air, long-term economic opportunities in green jobs, lower energy costs and fewer greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. But we know that as plants close, energy transition communities also face initial economic uncertainly,” said *DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek*. “It is essential that these communities have the support they need to get through their transitions. Minnesota is stronger when our communities thrive – and DEED embraces our responsibility to help communities as they move to a more sustainable energy system and a cleaner economy.”

The Energy Transition Grant Program helps communities address the economic and social impact of a power plant’s closure. It provides funds for researching, planning and implementing activities designed to: 


* assist workers at the plant find new employment, including worker retraining and developing small business start-up skills;
* increase the community’s property tax base;
* develop alternative economic development strategies to attract new employers to the community; and
* produce site readiness plans, land use studies and long-term economic planning and impact studies.

It also activates Minnesota's Environmental Quality Board to reimburse some costs associated with helping communities address regulatory issues, provide consultation on technical and regulatory challenges and educate the community on transitions.  

“The transition to green energy is vital for the Minnesotans’ long-term health, environmental quality and economic prosperity,” said *Carla Vita, Director of DEED’s Energy Transition Office*.  “The Energy Transition Grant Program ensures communities moving away from fossil fuels will be ready to capture these benefits. We’re proud to partner with local governments around the state at this important moment in Minnesota’s economic and ecological history.”

Eligible communities include counties, municipalities or tribal communities with power plants (fueled by coal, natural gas or nuclear energy) that are scheduled to close, recently closed or due to have their operating license expire soon. DEED has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for communities interested in applying for an Energy Transition grant. [ [link removed] ] A webinar for communities will take place October 19 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

"DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting the""_ _""DEED website" [ [link removed] ]", ""_ _""JoinUsMn.com" [ [link removed] ]", ""CareerForceMN.com" [ [link removed] ]" or"" ""follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter)" [ [link removed] ]"." 

###

"Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161."





________________________________________________________________________

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Logo 2016 [ [link removed] ]

 

Questions? Contact Us [ [link removed] ]

Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]   Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

"DEED is an equal opportunity employer and program provider."


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development · 332 Minnesota Street Suite E-200 · Saint Paul, MN 55101 · (800) 657-3858 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]