Klobuchar, Franken, Walz Announce $100,000 Award for Economic Development in Madelia

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representative Tim Walz, today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $100,000 grant for economic development in Madelia. In the wake of the devastating fire in February that destroyed its downtown area, Madelia and the Region Nine Development Commission worked together to apply to the technical assistance grant from EDA. The funds will support the development and implementation of a resiliency and communications plan for the City of Madelia. The grant will also help create jobs and strengthen the local economy.

“In the months since the terrible fire that destroyed so much, the people of Madelia have shown us all what it means to be Madelia Strong. This grant will help support continued economic recovery efforts along Main Street,” Klobuchar said. “I am confident that Madelia will rise from the ashes even stronger than before.”

“When my office toured Madelia with the Region Nine Development Commission, the community’s resilience following the fire last spring was front and center,” Franken said. “This grant from the Economic Development Administration will help the city rebuild and stay strong.”

“Madelia’s strength and resilience in the face of this disaster is a shining example of the resolve of Minnesotans,” Walz said. “This grant funding will assist Madelia as they recover. I am grateful to our Senators and community partners like the Region Nine Development Commission and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for their efforts and support of Madelia.”  

Through its Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs, EDA assists recipients in developing economic development plans and studies designed to guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of a distressed area or region.

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