The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority issued millions of dollars in loans and grants to upgrade or install water infrastructure for communities across the state.
The funds help cities replace aging infrastructure to protect public health and improve water quality.
“The MPFA provides crucial financing and technical assistance to help communities build public infrastructure that protects public health and the environment,” said Jeff Freeman, executive director of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. “Investing in the wellbeing of Minnesota’s infrastructure is a catalyst to economic growth and prosperity.”
Nearly half of the $265 million awarded in the first quarter of the fiscal year comes from revolving funds for clean drinking water, supported by federal appropriations, state match dollars and revolving loan payments.
The state provided funding for 27 projects across Minnesota, including these Up North cities:
- Clearbrook, $5.6 million: The project consists of engineering work for construction of a new drinking water treatment plant including treatment for manganese, as well as other improvements to the city's drinking water infrastructure, including water tower and treatment facility rehabilitation.
- Chisholm, $1.73 million: The project will replace the aging sanitary sewer, manholes, lift station and water main as part of the Fifth Street South rehabilitation project.
- Aurora, $24.85 million: The project will construct a new drinking water treatment plant, water intake and transmission lines to serve the city of Aurora and White Township.
- Hill City, $9.83 million: The project will construct a new drinking water treatment plant, including treatment for iron and manganese and the replacement of well pumps.
-
Plus: An Orr man was charged with two felonies for shooting a firefighting plane; and the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce recognized area businesses at its annual luncheon almost a year after the derecho. -
Events this week include "The Sound of Music" in Mountain Iron, the grand opening of a Deer River dog park and a mural unveiling in Bemidji. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicMark Smith, 66, died Thursday, May 21, 2026, after hitting a deer near Hill City in southern Itasca County while riding a dirt bike. -
Charlie Mitchell/KAXECo-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the advisability of Charlie waylaying wildlife.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Plus: Red Lake Nation residents cast ballots for the tribal council election; and bipartisan housing legislation made it across the finish line in the divided Legislature.
-
Contributed/Max Nesterak / Minnesota ReformerFifteen people are charged with targeting over $90M across Medicaid programs aimed at helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people, children with autism and disabled people. -
As Bemidji Area Schools mediates with its bargaining units after a spring of budget cuts, Bemidji bus drivers and their supporters urged the Board for their support. -
Contributed/DSGW ArchitectureThe May 20, 2026, Tribal Council election resulted in four runoff elections set to take place in July and featured some very close contests in the sovereign nation. -
Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsThe plea agreement for Cyndy Martin includes 364 days in jail, which is a downward departure from sentencing guidelines for the felony charge. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri | Minnesota ReformerAimee Bock, 41, was convicted for her role in the $242 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, which has so far led to 70 indictments and 60 convictions.
