_-- Public Policy Network - Posting to PUBPOL-L --_


For Immediate Release
Contact:  Ginger Hope, tel:  (612) 296-2908
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

Four Communities Receive Grants to Improve Economy and
Environment

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board today awarded
grants totaling $45,000 to four Minnesota communities for
sustainable development planning. The grant program is part of
Minnesota's Sustainable Development Initiative aimed at
improving the economy while preserving the environment.
Created by Governor Arne H. Carlson in 1993, the Sustainable
Development Initiative encourages partnerships between
businesses, governments and communities for better
environmental results.

"Minnesota serves as a national model for sustainable
development," said Governor Carlson. "These four communities
are great examples of Minnesota's commitment to that goal."

--Cass Lake, with 923 residents, will use its $12,500 grant to
develop a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances that
promote sustainable development. Located on the Leech Lake
Reservation near Bemidji, this city will work with residents and
local businesses to address such issues as housing
development, forestry, tourism and annexation of bordering
areas. Contact Robert Fitzgerald at Cass Lake city offices, (218)
335-2238, for more information.

--The City of Two Harbors will use its $15,000 grant to develop a
comprehensive plan for commercial development along the
Highway 61 corridor. The plan will cover storm water, tourism
and zoning for shore land areas. Contact Oliver Byrum at Two
Harbors city offices, (218) 834-5631, for more information.

--The Hamline-Midway Coalition represents five urban,
working-class neighborhoods in St. Paul that also have
significant industry and commerce. The coalition will use its
$10,000 grant to prepare a 20-year strategic plan, with broad
participation from neighborhood residents and businesses.
Contact Jodi Bantley at Hamline-Midway Coalition, (612)
646-1986, for more information.

--The Southeast Minneapolis Industrial and Bridal Veil Area,
which borders St. Paul and Minneapolis, received a $7,500 grant
to redevelop pollution-damaged land. The grant will help the
community create guidelines for renewable energy use, building
materials, construction waste management and storm water
planning. For more information, contact Keith Sjoquist at the
Southeast Economic Development Steering Committee, (612)
623-1800; or Joel Schurke at the Cunningham Group, (612)
379-3400.

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board draws together nine
different state agencies, each of which has a vital role in
preserving Minnesota's natural environment. The board is
supported by staff from Minnesota Planning, a state agency that
develops long-range plans for Minnesota, stimulates public
participation in the state's future, and coordinates public policy
with state agencies, the Minnesota Legislature and other units of
government.
-end-

Upon request, this information will be made available in an
alternate format, such as Braille, large print or audio tape. For
TTY, contact Minnesota Relay Service at (800) 627-3529 and ask
for Minnesota Planning.


       _-------                         -------_
           Public Policy Network - PUBPOL-L
        http://www.hhh.umn.edu/Archives/PUBPOL/
        Commands to:  [log in to unmask]
          Subscribe: SUB PUBPOL-L "Your Name"
       _      Unsubscribe: UNSUB PUBPOL-L      _
        -------                         -------