DEDA awarded $250,000 grant for research and training Center

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced on Monday, March 31, that they have awarded the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) a $250,000 grant for a True North Goodwill Research and Training Center.

The 61,000-square-foot center will be built at a 8.81-acre site on Atlas Parkway.

“Historically part of the 62-acre Atlas Cement Plant, the new resource and training facility will house transportation, warehousing, mattress recycling, classrooms, retail and administrative offices,” explained Mary Haugen with DEED. “It will also include a childcare center for program participants.”

Haugen continued that DEED expects the center will help create or retain 109 jobs, increase the local tax base by $219,072, and leverage $23.4 million in private investment.

Amanda Anderson an Economic Developer with the City of Duluth. She says she’s looking forward to the project’s groundbreaking later this year, thanks to the state grant.

“We were very excited to partner with True North Goodwill in the DEED application,” Anderson said. “We did receive from DEED the $250,000 going towards their stormwater management infrastructure. “It’s just a real big opportunity here in this community to revitalize the Western Corridor. A lot of services that Goodwill currently offers, and then in partnering with SOAR as of 2024, it’s really a great opportunity for this area.”

Anderson went on to say she’s excited for the project’s groundbreaking happening later this year.

“As timelines go, it’s a little fluid. There’s talks about August, but they’re still solidifying the details. It would be the sustaining of current True North Goodwill jobs, as well as the creation of new positions. “

These grant funds will be matched by the developer.