RELEASE: SAINT PAUL SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD STAR LOANS AND GRANTS

SAINT PAUL SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD STAR LOANS AND GRANTS

 Over $2.5 million available for capital improvement projects

SAINT PAUL--The City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program is seeking applicants for the 2012 loan and grant funding cycle. This year’s program kicks off with an application workshop on February 8, 2012 where information about the 2012 Neighborhood STAR Program will be presented. The Neighborhood STAR Program awards loans and grants over $5,000 through an annual competitive application process. Eligible proposals include capital (bricks and mortar) improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods that further economic, commercial or residential development and must be matched dollar to dollar with private resources.

 “By investing in our local organizations, these loans strengthen neighborhoods across Saint Paul. Whether you’re a nonprofit, for-profit or public entity, these loans and grants provide groups with the resources necessary to take their organization to the next level,” Mayor Chris Coleman said. “I encourage all groups that qualify to apply and create growth in our city.”

 Neighborhood STAR applicants and interested parties are encouraged to attend the Neighborhood STAR application workshop on February 8, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Como Zoo Visitor’s Center, 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103. Neighborhood STAR Program applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on March 29, 2012 to Planning and Economic Development, 25 West Fourth Street, Suite 1400, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of funding decisions in July 2012.

Although individual homeowner projects do not qualify for Neighborhood STAR funding, proposals to administer housing programs are eligible.   For information on a variety of individual housing programs available through the City of Saint Paul Housing Division, please call 651-266-6712.

Neighborhood STAR guidelines and application forms will be available at the workshop, online at www.stpaul.gov/star or by calling 651-266-STAR (7827). For additional information, contact STAR staff: Michele Swanson, 651-266-6574, Beth Ulrich, 651-266-6689 or Bob Hammer, 651-266-6693.

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