May 5 2016 received from Brainerd HRA
Brainerd, Minnesota---The City of Brainerd has been awarded a $650,105 grant for commercial and rental housing rehabilitation for Downtown Brainerd.
The Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) applied for funding in the amount of $690,000 on behalf of the City of Brainerd for Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and were awarded $650,105.
Through the Community Development Block Grant program, Congress appropriates money to states, which is then divided into the SCDP grants. Minnesota received $17 million for the 2016 grants. Statewide, 48 cities submitted applications to DEED and 32 were funded, including the City of Brainerd.
The SCDP grant will provide deferred loans to property owners in the downtown four-block core, which includes the area bounded by 6th Street South on the west, Front Street on the north, 8th Street South on east, and Maple Street on the south. The funding may be used to rehabilitate businesses and also renovate apartments above the businesses.
Through the assistance of DEED’s SCDP, the Brainerd HRA is able to offer the following:
SCDP Commercial Improvements—80% Deferred Loan/20% Owner Equity
 Funding available for up to eight downtown commercial properties
 May be used for façade upgrades or other needed improvements such as roof, windows, etc.
 Maximum loan amount: $35,000/property
 Forgiven after 10 years
SCDP Rental Rehabilitation—70% Deferred Loan/30% Owner Equity
 Funding available for up to 17 downtown rental units
 May be used for all general repairs needed to make the units more livable
 Maximum loan amount: $17,000/unit
 Forgiven after 10 years
The Brainerd HRA will begin taking applications by June with funds available in July 2016.
Brainerd Mayor Ed Menk shared his excitement, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Brainerd. It is my hope that this grant is just the beginning of greater things to come for our downtown businesses, renters and property owners. Thanks to the hard work by the HRA staff and all who contributed to this effort, we’re one step closer to a vibrant, healthy and strong Downtown community.”

About Brainerd HRA: Brainerd HRA’s mission is to provide redevelopment and affordable housing opportunities to strengthen our neighborhoods. For more information about Brainerd HRA, visit www.brainerdhra.org