The state of Minnesota will likely offer Albert Lea up to $1 million in infrastructure grants to enhance the city’s offer to Premium Pork LLC for building a plant in Albert Lea, according to state and local officials.

&uot;It takes some of the pressure off,&uot; Paul Sparks, city manager, said

Both St. Joseph, Mo., the other known city in the running for the plant, and Albert Lea have submitted propoasals and are expecting an answer on the plant within the next week.

The help from the state helps Albert Lea to sweeten it’s deal, which is known to have $5.5 million in tax increment financing, land and infrastructure incentives.

Sparks said the city’s deal has more on the table, but didn’t disclose what else is being offered.

Rep. Dan Dorman, R-Albert Lea, said that grants for infrastructure are limited to $1 million, and can go toward sewer, water, wastewater treatment as well as many other utilities.

Dorman talked with DTED Commissioner Matt Kramer on Friday. He said Kramer was very positive about helping Albert Lea.

&uot;He was impressed by the community and impressed with the time and effort that has been put into getting jobs here,&uot; Dorman said. &uot;(DTED) is very interested in seeing progress. They want these jobs in Minnesota.&uot;

The grants are dependent on issues with the company.

According to Louis Jambois, the community finance director for the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED), there are many factors which the state considers in giving out grants.

&uot;How much will be available will be contingent on the project itself,&uot; he said. &uot;The funding changes based on the amount of jobs, what kind of industry it is, the land assembly . . . the packages are different in every project.&uot;

Jambois, who said he isn’t working directly with the Albert Lea project, didn’t know the exact figures for the grants, but did say that there are many possibilities.

&uot;We’ve got a variety of things on the table,&uot; Jambois said. Grants for investment and job skills training are among some also being considered.

Sparks said that the grant could likely be as high as $1 million.

Jambois assured that there will be a grant if a deal is struck with the company.

&uot;We, of course, will stand with the city to help on infrastructure,&uot; Jambois said. &uot;We’re more than happy to offer this in trying to attract businesses to Albert Lea.&uot;

Jambois said the project is important for the state of Minnesota because it could bring much needed jobs both to Albert Lea, but also to the statewide economy .

&uot;If it’s a win, it’s a win for all of us,&uot; Jambois said. &uot;If it’s not a win, it’s a loss for all of us.&uot;