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.
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Plus: Bemidji Public Library to cut hours, staff; a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by a former Rock Ridge School Board member; Northern Minnesota tribal leaders testified in the nation's capital; and Minnesota Forest Industries' Tom Radovich was appointed to the state's Forest Resources Council. -
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies heard public witness testimony from American Indian and Alaska Native leaders. -
Contributed/Rock Ridge School DistrictThe order filed March 16, 2026, said Pollyann Sorcan failed to state a First Amendment retaliation claim in her 2023 suit. -
In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heather Johnson discuss how ants and plants help each other, the joys of gardening, and nature's popsicles.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Charlie Mitchell/KAXERadovich will serve the Council as the forest products industry representative. The 17-member body aims to coordinate diverse forest interests in managing the state's timber stands. -
They are also the only native Minnesota birds in the "perching duck" tribe, which is distinguished by their long, clawed toes — perfect for perching in trees. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Public Library will shift from being open six days a week to four, as well as reduce its staff by two employees. -
Events this week include local history talks in Hibbing and Bemidji, plus play auditions in Bigfork. -
Contributed/AFSCME Council 65 via FacebookThe district will provide an agreement to union leadership by March 23, 2026, and the School Board will vote to ratify the contract at its meeting March 30. -
Plus: Blackduck considers disbanding its police force; spongy moth treatments are proposed in parts of Northern Minnesota; and the Detroit Lakes HS musicians have returned from their unexpected road trip.
