EGF targets grant dollars for LaFave Park plan

East Grand Forks may look to a federal grant program to help fund improvements at LaFave Park.

The city has already made application to the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission for funding to upgrade boat ramps and a mill and overlay of the existing 1st Street NW.  The grant would cover 75% of the bill.

Park Superintendent Reid Huttunen says if the state grant is secured it may count towards the local match on a larger grant through the American Rescue Plan.  The federal program sets aside $240 million for outdoor recreation and tourism in District 8 – which includes Minnesota.

Huttunen says grants could range between $500,000 and $10 million dollars.  “$240 million sounds like a large number but when it’s divvied out among the states – and the way it’s going to be sought after – it’s going to be competitive.”

The city expects to hear back about the state grant in February.  The deadline to apply for federal funding is March 20th.