Minnesota awards millions to cities for drinking water infrastructure

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.