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HRA, city plan Deed Small Cities grant application to help fund Washington Street decorative lighting
Summary
Brainerd HRA and city staff said they will seek Deed Small Cities funding for decorative lighting and other streetscape elements on Washington Street; the city estimates its share of lighting costs at about $1.4 million and Deed can fund up to $600,000 under the program.
Brainerd’s HRA told the EDA on April 3 that it intends to submit a full application to Minnesota’s Deed Small Cities Development Program for streetscape funding tied to the Washington Street reconstruction.
The HRA said a pre‑application was submitted in the fall and Deed categorized the city as “competitive,” which staff called a positive sign for funding chances. Eric (HRA) explained the unique opportunity to request funding for streetscape work, specifically decorative lighting and other corridor enhancements that would increase pedestrian friendliness and community impact.
Key figures and timeline: HRA staff said the city’s portion of lighting on the corridor is roughly $1,400,000; the Deed program allows an application for up to $600,000. The HRA will appear before council for a public hearing and must file the application by April 16; award notifications typically arrive in August or September.
Why it matters: If awarded, Deed funds would reduce the city’s out‑of‑pocket share and speed decorative elements that are not part of MnDOT’s core reconstruction scope.
Next steps: The HRA planned to seek council approval to submit the full application. Staff noted Deed favors projects coupled with larger reconstruction work, which increases Brainerd’s chances. If funded the Small Cities grant would likely reimburse city payments to MnDOT after bids are awarded and invoices are issued.
Ending: The HRA and city staff will pursue the Deed application and bring any resulting award or match requirements back to council and the EDA for budget decisions.
