The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently awarded $5 million in grants through the state’s Port Development Assistance Program to four projects supporting freight movement on the state’s waterways.
The state has commercial ports on Lake Superior and the Mississippi River that annually generate $1.3 billion to the state’s economy.
“One of Minnesota’s strongest assets when it comes to economic development is its infrastructure,” MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle said. “Projects proposed offer us an important opportunity to collaborate with our local partners to help enhance transportation and economic outcomes in Minnesota. The projects selected under this competitive program best demonstrated local government’s willingness to invest in the transportation system and the private sector partners’ commitment to job creation.”
The St. Paul Port Authority was awarded $1.8 million toward the $2.5 million cost of a portion of the Southport Terminal Intermodal Improvement Project.
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority was awarded $2.3 million toward the $4.4 million Duluth Intermodal Terminal project.
The Wabasha Port Authority was awarded $454,876 toward the $625,500 of constructing a barge terminal.
The Winona Port Authority was awarded $454,512 toward the $649,550 cost of installing paved drives, retention ponds, and reinforced concrete piping and inlets to direct storm water.