State of North Dakota awarding $1 million in grants to build places and spaces

(Fargo, ND) -- The state of North Dakota is offering up to $1 million worth of match free grants to cities, counties, and tribal entities to build new places and spaces.

"Placemaking is all about vibrancy. It's all about that feel that you get when you are in a community or in a downtown where maybe there is music, there's green space, maybe there is art," said Interim Commerce Commissioner Shawn Kessel. 

Kessel says the state is now accepting applications for "Placemaking Planning Grants".  A total of ten grants worth one hundred thousand dollars each will be awarded. The $1 million for the program comes from the U.S. Economic Administration Public Space Initiative. The idea behind the program is that attractive public spaces or gathering locations will help with economic development by attracting businesses and events. 

Applications are being accepted now through September 1st. Winners will be announced October 15th. More details can be found the state Commerce Department's website. 

LINK: https://www.nd.gov/news/eda-public-space-initiative-placemaking-planning-grant-application-window-open-july-15-0