Five Grand Forks businesses are seeking more than $22 million in federal Recovery Zone Bonds for construction projects that are projected to add more than 110 jobs over the next five years.
The Grand Forks County Commission has set public hearings at 4:30 p.m. at its March 2 meeting to consider the proposals.
The money is part of the $25 billion federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, for projects that are considered shovel-ready. North Dakota was allocated about $225 million.
Here are the proposed projects:
- Hood Packaging Corp. is requesting $12.5 million for a new 160,000-square-foot, single-story production and warehouse facility to be built on the southwest corner of 32nd Avenue South and South 52nd Street.
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The company has a facility in the Grand Forks Industrial Park that employs about 70 people. The new building is expected to increase that number by about 50, with the average wage of full-time-equivalent employees at about $25 per hour.
- Grand Forks Hotel Partners is requesting $3.7 million to build a 62,000-square-foot, four-story, 82-unit suite hotel that will go by the name of Staybridge Suites along South 42nd Street, near the Alerus Center. The company had requested $7.7 million for the project. But the Recovery Zone committee reduced the amount, County Auditor Debbie Nelson said. The company was informed that if additional funds become available, it could reapply. The hotel is expected to employ about 25, with average wages from $25,000 to $45,000.
- Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services is requesting $3.75 million for a new building to be built at 4050 Garden View Drive, near the Alerus Center, just off South 42nd Street. The company would occupy 30,000 square feet -- or two floors -- of the 45,000-square-foot, three-story building. The company projects 16 new employees, with the average wage at about $61,000. The company employs 38.
- ICON Architectural Group is requesting $1.25 million for a project in which it will share the building with AE2S, occupying 15,000 square feet -- or one floor -- of the three-story building. The company expects to create 15 new jobs, with an average salary of about $61,000.
- Grand Forks Land Co. is requesting $1.25 million toward a $2.2 million project to build a forensic laboratory at Aurora Medical Park. The one-story building will be 7,176 square feet. The lab will specialize in forensic science research in connection with UND and will be available to perform laboratory and diagnostic services for the region. The lab, which has not been named yet, is expected to create 10 jobs, with an average salary of about $65,000.
Reach Bonham at (701) 780-1110; (800) 477-6572, ext. 110; or send e-mail to kbonham@gfherald.com .
