An estimated 12,000 Minnesota households will receive high-speed Internet service through projects funded by a $35 million broadband allocation. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will begin accepting applications for funding to expand broadband infrastructure on July 22.

Exercise equipment manufacturer Life Fitness said today it will add 110 jobs as part of a $22.9 million expansion of its factory in Owatonna. DEED is supporting the project with a performance based grant from the Job Creation Fund.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation has spearheaded the Grow a Farmer Fund, providing $25,000 in seed money, and along with other nonprofits will administer the revolving loan fund for farmers in a 20-county southern Minnesota region.

The final piece of local funding for the Twin Cities' $1.79 billion Southwest light-rail line, totaling $135 million, is now in doubt. The fate of close to $900 million in federal matching funds for the controversial project is murky as well.

At its June 28 meeting, the Ramsey City Council unanimously approved a bond sale of $1.65 million.

For almost four years, Cambria's plans for expansion have hinged on securing the 28.5-acre property directly south and adjacent to its north Le Sueur production plant, which is owned by the MnDOT.

The Souther Minnesota Initiative Foundation, in conjunction with Renewing the Countryside, announced the launch of the Grow a Farmer Fund. The fund will first be capitalized through donation-based fundraising efforts, and will eventually become a self-replenishing evergreen fund.

Join the CDFA Minnesota Financing Roundtable for the inaugural conference on August 25, 2016. This event will feature a number of economic development finance experts from around the state discussing development finance tools, authorities, resources and approaches, and how these can affect the Minnesota economy going forward.

The conference will take place at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot in downtown Minneapolis and is supported by dozens of the state's finest development finance leaders. Register today to reserve your spot at the 2016 CDFA Minneapolis Financing Roundtable Conference.