Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brainerd City accepts $600,000 SCDP grant to offset decorative lighting along 210 corridor
Summary
Brainerd City accepted a $600,000 Small Cities Development Program grant to help pay for enhanced commercial corridor lighting on the 210 corridor; staff said the decorative fixtures cost roughly twice MDOT-standard lights and the grant will offset the city's share.
Brainerd City Council authorized acceptance of a $600,000 Small Cities Development Program grant (CDAP-24-000069-0-FY25) Wednesday to help pay for streetscape improvements along the U.S. 210 commercial corridor, primarily to offset the higher cost of decorative lighting.
Connie Hillman and project representatives said the city specified lighting as the principal use when applying for the SCDP award. Project consultant John Schmer told the council the decorative, ‘‘café-style’’ fixtures selected for the corridor are significantly more expensive than standard MDOT cobra-head fixtures and that the grant will help the city cover the difference.
“Because the commercial lighting standard is more aesthetic, the city shares in the cost,” Schmer said, noting total lighting costs exceed $1.2 million and the $600,000 award will defray part of Brainerd City’s share.
Council approved three related resolutions: a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan, a Section 3 plan, and authorization for signatures on the SCDP grant agreement. The council also approved authorizing signatures necessary to finalize the grant.
Public-works staff and the consultants said final design and procurement steps will follow standard grant and municipal procedures. Council members asked how MDOT participation works; staff explained MDOT installs standard highway lighting but commercial corridor standards and accompanying fixtures create additional city cost-share obligations, which the grant is intended to mitigate.
Next steps: staff will proceed with grant administration, finalize project details and return with procurement steps and cost-sharing schedules for council approval.
