Crookston, Minnesota (September 25th, 2025) – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced an award of $3.3 million for the Economic Development Administration for the City of Crookston to upgrade infrastructure in the city’s industrial park. The new infrastructure will include a roadway, water, and wastewater lines, adding 73 acres of developable lots to the industrial park. The project will create 75 jobs and provide the city with resources to spur economic growth once completed.
“That will be used for the infrastructure in there so we can start to build out businesses in there and also to support the railroad spur that is going in there in the spring,” said Karie Kirschbaum, Crookston Economic Development Executive Director. “When I got hired three years ago, Corky Reynolds was our city administrator and he said, I want you to focus on building out the industrial park. So that’s what got that ball rolling. And the Northwest Regional Development Commission, they set aside funding to get us some extra help there to get the project through.”
The grant will help Crookston’s Industrial Park be shovel-ready for businesses looking to build. “When people looking for a place to land, when deed is looking, somebody contacts DEED and says, hey, we want to build in Minnesota,” said Kirschbaum. “Our place will come up, we’re going to get towards the top of the list, right? Because we’re going to actually have all of our ducks in a row and have things ready.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement: “Improving infrastructure is essential for fostering community and economic growth,” said Klobuchar. “This new road and water and wastewater lines will increase the size of the industrial park and significantly boost Crookston’s economy.”
Senator Tina Smith said, “Revitalizing our infrastructure is about more than just fixing roadways, bridges, and water treatment facilities; it’s about improving people’s lives and promoting economic growth, which is precisely what these projects will do,” said Smith. “These projects are going to support businesses and strengthen the economy for people in Crookston and Polk County.”
About Crookston Economic Development Authority
Crookston EDA strives to drive sustainable economic growth by attracting businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving infrastructure. We aim to cultivate a skilled workforce, preserve our community’s character, and foster strategic partnerships to maximize opportunities for local prosperity.
About Site Location Partnership
Site Location Partnership is a multi-disciplined advisory firm that enables the growth of businesses, communities and economies through its two primary consulting areas – corporate site selection and economic development. SLP’s Corporate Location Practice helps companies from industrial and commercial sectors select the optimal location for expansion, relocation or consolidation of business facilities. SLP’s Economic Development Practice assists various organizations in implementing business attraction strategies for new corporate investment, job creation and economic growth.
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