Full applications are due April 12, 2012 and Swift County was advised to make revisions to their project based on the highly competitive round of applicants.  The Small Cities program received 77 pre-applications totaling over $42 million.  60 of those, representing $33.5 million were invited to submit full-application.  The expected total funding pool of the state is only $14 million.

“We definitely have our work cut out for us,” said RDA Executive Director, Jennifer Frost.  “But the state provided some specific recommendations on how to make our proposal more competitive.  Those include having a smaller, more geographically refined target area, and to provide details about the community’s need for the proposed activity.  The original proposal was submitted as a county-wide application, so this will mean some big changes.”

The RDA and HRA plan to meet with those communities that represent the highest level of interest from the original proposal in an attempt to refine the application.  In the meantime, DEED is in the process of making modifications to the full application to better meet Housing and Urban Development expectations and state rules for the program, and plans to have the revised full application available mid-January.

For More Information:

Contact Vicki Syverson, Executive Director
Swift County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), 320-843-4676 or

Jennifer Frost, Executive Director
Swift County Rural Development Authority (RDA) 320-842-4769

The purpose of seeking this grant is two-fold: To assist low and moderate-income residents in performing renovations on their homes, and second, to assist commercial property owners to make improvements that make their buildings more livable, energy efficient, safe and accessible.  While the principal focus of the renovations is code compliance and health and safety upgrades, other eligible activities include electrical and plumbing upgrades, roof replacement, and energy improvements.  The assistance is in the form of 0% interest, deferred loans to eligible applicants.

“The Cities of Benson and Appleton have both been awarded these grants in the past and with this county-wide application, we hope to bring the program to all cities and townships within Swift County, “ says Vicki Syverson, from the Swift County HRA. “We are looking forward to improving housing stock through-out Swift County, as well addressing some of our smaller communities’ needs with the commercial revitalization program.”

The grant pre-application process is highly competitive and is due in November. Only those applications that demonstrate need and readiness will be asked to complete a full application.  Demonstrating interest in the program upfront is a critical component in the application.

At this time, the program is seeking homeowners and commercial property owners interested in applying to the program. For an application or more information, please call Ms. Vicki Syverson or Mr. Tim Mooberry at 320-842-4676 by October 29.

We would like to hear from any Swift County resident who may be interested in taking advantage of this great opportunity to do some much needed home or commercial property improvements.  Applications are also available for download on the Swift County RDA homepage at www.swiftcountyrda.com.

The grant, awarded to the Swift County RDA, will start the RDA Energy Loan Fund (RDA ELF) for small businesses in Swift County.  Initially loans will be made at zero percent interest to help jumpstart local businesses ability to finance energy-saving improvements to their facilities.  Utility-bill savings can then be used to repay the loan.

“Increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings is a good investment for taxpayers, Swift County businesses, and the environment,” said Jennifer Gruis, Swift County RDA Director. “The projects made possible by the financing effort will pay dividends for many years to come.”

Projects eligible for loans include purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment, windows and doors; installation and use of renewable energy technologies; and projects that reduce energy waste.

Swift County RDA Members estimate that by leveraging fund dollars with utility rebates, grant programs, and other Swift County loan programs; 5-10 loans will be made from the initial funding with more financing available as loans are repaid.

The grant to Swift County was awarded as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  EECBG helps governments and nonprofit groups improve the energy efficiency of buildings and vehicles, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and create or retain jobs.

Swift County RDA is serving as fiscal agent for the grant and will administer the loan fund.  For information on how to apply for the RDA-ELF contact the RDA at 320-842-4769 or rda@co.swift.mn.us