CROSBY — The Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board awarded $16,500 to the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s “Music on Main/Highway 210 Revitalization Project” through the Downtown Streetscapes grant program, to be matched in funds raised by the chamber’s Downtown Committee, for a total investment of $33,000.
Downtown Streetscapes grants are designed to incentivize investment in downtown areas by promoting safe and attractive environments for residents, shoppers, workers and visitors.
When successfully completed, the Music on Main/Highway 210 Revitalization Project will provide Crosby with an outdoor speaker system for emergency announcements, events and holiday "Shop Local" campaigns, as well as beautification to Crosby and Ironton with large flower pots throughout downtown, the chamber reported.
“Our goal is to continue the forward momentum of Cuyuna Lakes by enhancing our community to attract new businesses, residents and visitors to the downtown area,” said Brielle Bredsten, Cuyuna Lakes Chamber executive director, in a news release. “The Music on Main/Hwy. 210 Revitalization project will help to offset the economic impact experienced by downtown businesses following the Highway 210 road construction in 2021, as well as the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Once complete, the outdoor speaker system will operate during the city of Crosby’s annual Fourth of July Parade announcements (such as delays, emergency messages, lost children, and parade safety). It would also be used for holiday music during the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber shop local Blinky Pin Promotion and other events like Music in the Park, Powerboat Races, Cuyuna Crusher, Heritage Days and Cuyuna Christmas that are conducted in and around the downtown Crosby area.
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The Downtown Committee of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce is working with the following community partners to complete the project: city of Crosby, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Crow Wing Power Operation Roundup, Cuyuna Range Economic Development Inc., Brainerd Lakes Economic Development Corp., Initiative Foundation, Cuyuna Range Garden Club ,IRRRB, Stewart Sound Systems and Crosby Fire Department Charitable Gambling Fund.
Downtown Streetscapes is funded at $200,000 for fiscal year 2021. The grant awards range up to $50,000. The agency provides a 1:1 match per project. In-kind materials and labor may constitute up to 25% of the local match. For more information about the program, visit bit.ly/3ghMNBy .
The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber is a member-driven business nonprofit 501(c)6 organization that serves the areas of Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood, Emily, Bay Lake, Cuyuna, Riverton and Trommald.
