This EDA assistance to coal communities award to the city of willmar, minnesota will provide upgraded infrastructure to the wilmar industrial park and allow continued expansion of current and new…

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded the City of Willmar, Minnesota $6.347 million on May 8, 2026, under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program (CFDA 11.307) to upgrade road, water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure at the Willmar Industrial Park. The infrastructure improvements are designed to catalyze approximately $25 million in private sector investment and create employment opportunities for workers displaced by the 2017 closure of the Willmar Municipal Utilities coal-fired power plant. Period of performance runs through November 1, 2028, with work performed in Minnesota. The award is classified as a Project Grant, an Implementation Grant under EAA that supports execution of activities identified in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy through public works and infrastructure improvements. EDA expects the infrastructure enhancements will enable continued expansion of current tenants and attract new private-sector businesses to the industrial park, fostering job creation and retention in the region experiencing economic distress from the sudden closure of a major local employer.

This EDA assistance to coal communities award to the city of willmar, minnesota will provide upgraded infrastructure to the wilmar industrial park and allow continued expansion of current and new private-sector tenants. The 2017 closure of the willmar municipal utilities coal-fired power plant led to devastating job losses in the city and in the region. Local leaders looked to the continued growth in new jobs at the willmar industrial park and decided that upgrades to the park would provide the best chance for displaced workers to access new careers. The EDA-funded road, water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure is expected to help catalyze $25M in private investment by existing and new tenants in the industrial park.