By Sara StrongDowntown Luverne got a shot in the arm as it signed up to receive grants and funding worth $1.27 million.Luverne Economic Development Director Dan Statema said, "It puts a lot of money in our downtown area."The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development approved the package for the city of Luverne last week.Luverne will use $882,300, which came as Small Cities Development Program grant, to rehabilitate 25 affordable owner-occupied homes and 16 affordable rental units, as well as 18 commercial buildings. A portion of the rehab money comes from loans and equity from property owners. The Luverne project is one of 31 to receive DEED funding this year.Luverne applied for the same grant last year, and was on a waiting list to be accepted this year. Property owners who have applied for the grant that was approved need to wait for city direction before starting rehab work.
