River Falls secures $1.4M for fire station renovations amid funding challenges

The River Falls City Council Workshop held on June 10, 2025, focused on various funding initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing public safety, community development, and economic growth. The meeting featured discussions led by representatives from Merchant McIntyre, who provided updates on secured funding and future opportunities.

The session began with an overview of the Kinney Corridor project, emphasizing the importance of congressional investment to sustain progress amid challenging budget constraints. Following this, Fiona from Merchant McIntyre detailed the public safety funding, which is divided into police and fire department allocations. Notably, $1.4 million has been secured for fire station renovations through congressionally directed spending for fiscal year 2024, thanks to Congressman Derek Van Orden. Additionally, $862,000 is anticipated for communications equipment for both the fire and police departments in fiscal year 2026.

Fiona also highlighted upcoming funding opportunities for the fire department, including potential grants from FEMA for essential equipment upgrades. The discussion then transitioned to community and economic development funding, where a $4 million grant for library renovations was celebrated as a significant achievement. The council is also pursuing various grants, including a $55,000 rural business development grant and a $2.1 million expansion project for the Saint Croix Valley Business Innovation Center.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing affordable housing needs, with a focus on aligning local funding with federal resources. A council member emphasized the importance of developing subsidized housing and requested assistance in creating an action plan to leverage Tax Increment District (TID) funds effectively.

In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the city's proactive approach to securing funding for critical projects and addressing community needs. The discussions reflected a collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of funding opportunities at various governmental levels, with a clear focus on enhancing public safety and fostering economic development in River Falls. The council plans to continue monitoring grant opportunities and aligning priorities with federal initiatives as they move forward.