On March 25th the U.S. Dept. of Commerce announced the awarding of a $4.7 million grant to the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, to conduct a statewide broadband development project across rural Minnesota. Through this grant, the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) coalition will bring a network of resources and support to rural Minnesota individuals and communities - especially those unemployed and seeking employment, small businesses, coalitions of government entities, and local leaders.

The EDA Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston will serve as the lead evaluator for this large and broad-based project.
Go to: http://broadband.blandinfoundation.org/news/news-detail.php?intResourceID=1208 to learn more.

The EDA Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston is one of more than 40 university centers nationwide, supported by the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

We conduct applied research, provide direct technical assistance and deliver educational programs to economic development agencies that support the economy of economically-distressed rural communities throughout Minnesota.

Need some help with a summer project? The Summer 2010 Internship program is
now soliciting internship opportunities!

The EDA Center is launching a new Student Internship Program for the Summer of 2010. All Municipal, County, Regional and Tribal economic development organizations throughout rural Minnesota are invited to post an internship opportunity online now.
Learn more about the Summer 2010 Internship program at our Internship Page.

The EDA Center Advisory Board selected four new technical assistance projects in Appleton, Crookston and Grand Marais for 2010.

Go to the Technical Assistance Page to learn more about these current projects.