ST. CLOUD -- Stearns County has approved a $250,000 no-interest loan to the New Flyer bus manufacturer to help pay for a $5-million expansion project.

New Flyer is planning a 12,000 square-foot expansion that will include $3-million in new machinery and 136 new jobs.

Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation CEO John Kramer says it's an important expansion project because it has a ripple effect on other jobs around the area who provide parts to New Flyer.

The city of St. Cloud has also approved a $100,000 no interest loan and New Flyer will be seeking a $1-million loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund.

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