Minn. Communities Want $288M From $47.5M Fund

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Ninety Minnesota communities are seeking a total of $288.4 million from a state business development fund for projects ranging from sewer upgrades to recreational facilities.

One problem: The fund contains only $47.5 million.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development released the list of requests on Tuesday, a day after the deadline for applications.

Proposals ranged from $221,000 for sewer and water infrastructure in the city of Braham to $27 million for a minor-league ballpark in St. Paul. St. Cloud, Mankato and Rochester asked for millions to improve civic centers.

Commissioner Mark Phillips says his agency will pick winners by the end of August after weighing each project's potential for job creation, increased taxes, return on investment and other criteria including geographic balance.

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