Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

building materials and labor shortages. But I know several local businesses have been able to utilize that Main Street grant initiative to renovate.” A year has passed since the approval, and the region is now undergoing improvements. “We thank the EDA for the opportunity to help offset some of the unusual costs of renovating businesses. It is huge.” Gander adds. A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE East Grand Forks’ vision for the coming decade is the industrial park and commercial districts expansion. Emphasizing the potential of the industrial park, Gander says,“We have tremendous room for growth. We are going to focus on that infrastructure and, through EDA, we are going to build it out.” This investment sets the stage for increased economic activity and job opportunities. “We have plans to convert our commercial district along Hwy. 2 to the east,” he adds. The city intends to shift focus from agriculture to commercial development. Envisioning the impact of these initiatives on the city’s demographic landscape, East Grand Forks expects a population exceeding 10,000 people in the next decade. “We grew by about 7% in the last decade, and I’d like to see that continue,” Gander states. • Lawn Mowing • Lawn Fertilizing • Lawn Weed Control • Power Rake/Aeration • Ground Sterilization • Parking Lot Sweeping • Tree Foliage Spraying • Tree Fertilizing • Tree Insect & Disease Control • Bulk Water Sales & Delivery • Snow Removal • Fugitive Dust Control 132 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01