WDIO/ABC - $200K Federal Grant Awarded to Kick-start Economy in I'Falls after Boise Layoffs

News Article

International Falls is getting federal help in the city's efforts to bounce back from last year's layoffs at the Boise Paper Mill.

Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Minn.) says a $200,000 federal grant will kick-start the city's economic recovery.

The grant comes from the US Economic Development Association, and will help local officials establish a strategy to recover from the layoffs that left more than 300 employees without work.

"This is certainly going to be key to the economic response teams that have come together, citizens and business folks alike who are working to take and keep our community strong and make possible new jobs for the area," said International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson.

"We are all determined to see this great city of International Falls not only recover from the Boise job losses, but also to grow and diversify economically," added Nolan in a statement. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves so we can start creating good-paying jobs for the people who need them."

The money comes in addition to another grant of nearly $65,000 to develop an economic plan and strategy for the region along the Canadian border.

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