The Wabasha Port Authority and the City of Wabasha, recently wrapped up a three-year grant, totaling $284,835 in assistance to 17 small businesses to upgrade their HVAC systems in response to COVID-19.
The Port secured these funds through a competitive process through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Cities Program, which awards grants through the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The HVAC grant program allowed the Wabasha Port Authority to provide businesses in Wabasha up to $25,000 to improve the air circulation in their buildings.
In the process, the Port also worked with 11 different HVAC and electrical contractors, based in Wabasha, Kellogg, Lake City, and Plainview.