Rural economic development technical assistance grants funding provided, and money appropriated.

HF 1655 appropriates $627,000 from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide technical assistance grants through Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). The bill directly supports small rural Minnesota communities that cannot afford economic development services, prioritizing those with the greatest need. Key provisions include funding for CEDA to design and administer tailored community development programs, with up to $270,000 of the appropriation available for implementing specific economic development projects alongside technical assistance. This is a one-time appropriation to enhance local capacity for economic growth in underserved rural areas.