Economic development granted planning funds

The Carrington Chamber and Economic Development Corporation was among seven communities that received a planning grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

The $22,500 Main Street Initiative (MSI) Partners in Planning (PiP) Grant is intended to support nonprofit organizations and local governments in completing a comprehensive plan or economic development/diversification strategic plan.

“With the two options the MSI PiP Grant offers, we are able to provide more tailored funding for the specific needs of each community,” Commerce Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel said. “Both options provide seed funding, with the overarching goal of enhancing the community’s overall quality of life, economy, and workforce.”

The purpose of the economic development/diversification grant option Carrington received is to partially fund the creation of a new economic development plan that empowers communities and political subdivisions to maintain a sense of place, become more resilient given economic challenges and opportunities, and increase their overall community wellbeing.

“Carrington Economic Development has accepted the grant funding and is looking for the best way to move forward,” Carrington Economic Development Director Karlee Griffin stated Tuesday. “More information is to come as more details are worked out.”