State aid aims to stabilize organizations hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Written By: Peter Passi | × The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and downtown Duluth. (Clint Austin / 2016 file / News Tribune) The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center emerged Monday as one of the biggest beneficiaries of a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development relief program when it received news it will be provided with $500,000 in aid. That's the maximum grant possible through the COVID-19 assistance program. In all, DEED set aside $4.6 million to prop up convention centers across the state, with the DECC in line to garner nearly 11% of that sum. The Range Recreation and Civic Center in Eveleth was awarded $105,000 through the same program.