Otter Tail County Applying for DEED Grant in Next Steps to Redeveloping Westridge Mall

Photo Taken by Derek Sidian, KBRF Radio News

Fergus Falls, MN – Otter Tail County is applying for a DEED Demolition Grant as part of the next steps in redeveloping the Westridge Mall.

At the Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole Meeting on Wednesday morning, Deputy County Administrator Nick Leonard requested the City Council adopt a resolution of support for the County’s application for up to $500,000 in funds for the cost of testing and abatement of hazardous materials at the mall property.

Leonard says that the testing and removal of hazardous materials needs to be taken care of before any potential demolition can occur. He told the Council, “If you’ve been in there (the mall) recently, you know there’s lots of standing water, there’s lots of mold, but obviously we anticipate asbestos and other types of cleanup that’s going to be required.”

During the meeting, Leonard also mentioned that the County is on track to have control of the mall property by the end of the month.

The Council will officially vote on adopting a resolution of support for the DEED grant at the City Council meeting on Monday.