Two Carlton County cities awarded grants

Two Carlton County communities are being awarded substantial grants through the Small Cities Development Program.

Kettle River will receive $600,000 for improvements to its wastewater and potable drinking water facility. Cromwell also will receive $600,000 for public facility improvements and community center rehabilitation.

In total, 31 cities, townships and counties across Minnesota will receive nearly $21 million in grants. The funding must be used for commercial and residential property rehabilitation, public facility improvements and other economic development projects.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development administers the grants, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.