Jill Schramm/MDN Main Street, along with other parts of downtown, will be studied for economic development planning purposes with the help of a Main Street Initiative grant.

Minot is one of eight communities recommended by the North Dakota Department of Commerce to receive funding from round two of the Main Street Initiative Partners in Planning Grant.

The City of Minot is recommended for a $19,500 economic development/diversification grant.

Jonathan Rosenthal, economic developer with the City of Minot, said the money will help fund economic development planning that focuses on the downtown. The city looks to conduct building and green space assessments, examine the walkability of downtown, determine the potential for First Avenue North improvements and identify service gaps for possible business recruitment. The city also hopes to work with a partner agency on a mobility study to identify accessibility issues.

Rosenthal said the final scope of the planning effort will be determined by funds available. The state grant will cover portions of the work that can be accomplished by June 20, the deadline for spending the money.

A consultant will be sought to coordinate the planning effort, which will include community meetings and input from students at Minot State University and Minot High School’s Central Campus.

In addition to Minot, Divide County is recommended for a $4,787 grant. Other communities recommended to share in the $122,000 in total grant funds are Argusville, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Mandan, Dickinson and Wishek.