News Summary
The cities of Baxter and Jackson are seeing a surge in development due to various construction projects and grant initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting local businesses. Key projects include the ongoing construction on Audubon Way and the renovation of historic buildings in downtown Jackson. Grants have been awarded to local enterprises to facilitate growth, highlighting community efforts toward economic revitalization.
Baxter and Jackson Area Projects Boost Local Development and Infrastructure
The cities of Baxter and Jackson are experiencing significant growth driven by ongoing construction activities and grant-funded projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and supporting local businesses.
Construction Activities in Baxter
Starting Tuesday, September 2, construction will commence on Audubon Way, a roadway located off Highway 371 North in Baxter. Despite the construction, the road will remain open to local traffic, although there may be occasional closures for specific construction activities. The project is expected to last approximately seven to eight weeks.
Motorists are advised to stay alert for temporary signage changes and follow any detour instructions during the construction period. For questions or concerns regarding the Audubon Way project, residents and commuters can contact Widseth Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or via email at alex.bitter@widseth.com.
City officials have expressed appreciation for the community’s patience as construction progresses, highlighting the importance of this project to local infrastructure improvements.
Design Road Expansion and Flood Mitigation
Construction on Design Road in Baxter is actively ongoing as of Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The project involves relocating and enlarging a storm pipe to a diameter of 60 inches, coupled with reducing the roadway width to 36 feet.
The revised design enhances the road’s strength, aiming for a 10-ton design standard that will help reduce flooding issues on the west side of Highway 371. The project also focuses on environmental improvements by channeling excess water into the Whiskey Creek system. This system is intended to aid in the process of cleaning contaminated water from Baxter’s commercial district before it flows into the Mississippi River.
Funding for these improvements is primarily secured through federal and state sources, with a total project budget of approximately $3 million.
Grants Supporting Local Business Growth in Jackson
In the city of Jackson, several grants have been awarded to promote local business development and redevelopment initiatives. These grants are part of broader economic development efforts supported by Fluor-BWXT and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio.
Holy Grounds Coffee, a women-owned enterprise that transitioned from a food truck to a storefront, received a $7,500 grant. The funding will help purchase new equipment and enable the addition of four new employees. Additionally, Kevin Baxter, the owner of the building housing Holy Grounds Coffee, was granted $25,750 toward renovating the upper floors into residential units.
Another project, led by Evan Massie of EGM Construction Services, was awarded a $20,000 grant to facilitate renovations of a Broadway Street building intended for use as professional office space and living areas.
Growth and Renovation in Downtown Jackson
The Broadway Street area in Jackson is experiencing notable business growth, with several historic buildings dating back to the 1800s undergoing renovations. This revitalization efforts aim to improve the area’s aesthetic appeal and foster economic opportunities, according to community leaders.
Additional Information
Community members seeking further details about the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio or the Fluor-BWXT grants can visit www.choosesouthernohio.com or call 740-286-2838. These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and enhance infrastructure in the Baxter and Jackson areas.
Overall, the combination of infrastructure improvements and business grants is expected to positively influence growth, flood management, and community development in both cities over the coming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Brainerd Dispatch: Design Road Project Continues in Baxter
- Wikipedia: Baxter, Minnesota
- Vinton Jackson Courier: FBX and JEDISO Provide Funding in Jackson County
- Google Search: Baxter Minnesota news
- KSL TV: Construction at Hyrum Dam Spillway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City
- Hville Blast: Honda Dealership in Decatur New Building Permits
- Google News: Jackson County business growth
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
