The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced more than $91 million in awards under the Public Facilities Authority.
A large portion of the funding is dedicated to replacing nearly 1,000 lead service lines in 15 cities across the state.
Crosby is receiving $309,000 in funding to replace 34 lead lines with copper, and Thief River Falls will also receive more than $930,710 in funding to replace 75 lead lines.
“The [Authority’s] work in keeping our water clean, drinkable and accessible is an investment in Minnesota’s health, environment and economy,” stated Minnesota PFA Executive Director Steve Walter in a Dec. 10 news release.
“By providing crucial financing and technical assistance to communities that might not have access to it otherwise, the MPFA encourages economic growth and protects the health of Minnesotan communities, creating the infrastructure for long-term prosperity.”
The Public Facilities Authority aims to help cities replace aging infrastructure and make system improvements to protect public health and improve water quality.
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Contributed/MnDOT"No Travel Advised" means the visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel in parts of Minnesota. -
Plus: Red Lake Nation's NativeCare cannabis operation plans to open dispensaries in Thief River Falls and the metro; Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a $500M settlement with Hyundai and Kia over anti-theft devices; and MN DEED announced more than $91M in Public Facilities Authority awards for clean drinking water projects. -
Investigations into the car manufacturers found they knowingly failed to install industry-standard anti-theft technology in vehicles sold in Minnesota and elsewhere. -
Contributed/National Weather Service Grand ForksMost of the Northland will be impacted by some combination of freezing rain, heavy snow, high winds and low temperatures Dec. 17-18, 2025. -
Contributed/Cass County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictKathy Wagner of Wabedo Township has done decades of conservation work, both on her own property and throughout Cass County. -
Contributed/Shawn T. Moore / Department of LaborThe labor department sent a letter asserting recent news reports of fraud in MN's Medicaid-funded human services programs could signal fraud and abuse in unemployment benefits. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is the sixth of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized tribes to sign a cannabis compact with the state of Minnesota. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEMeal service at the YMCA in Grand Rapids will begin Jan. 6, 2026, and take place 4:30-6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. -
Contributed/Jennifer Carnahan for MN SenateThe embattled former GOP chair is in her first year as mayor of Nisswa, with fellow council members making moves to censure her at a meeting in January 2026. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicThe unnamed 14-year-old male student was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention facility without incident.
