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.
-
Contributed/Perkins familyMerwin Perkins was a Marine who served in the Korean War. This includes operating a mortar in the Chosin Reservoir during one of the most brutal, and brutally cold, battles in the history of the Marines. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe Pokegama Lake access is now the Tom Neustrom Memorial Tioga Public Water Access. -
Contributed/Hape Monaheng via PexelsThe MPCA says Crosslake Construction Demolition Debris Facility, Inc. had multiple violations during facility inspections between 2020 and 2022. -
Contributed/Park Rapids Panthers Cross CountryPark Rapids senior Christian Thorson and junior Jack Mitteness also medaled from the Northland. -
Contributed/Polina Tankilevitch via PexelsIn Minnesota, 139 cases of measles have been reported in 2026 as of Nov. 5. Most cases are concentrated in Todd County. -
Contributed/Aitkin FootballMountain Iron-Buhl returns to state after missing last year while adjusting to a new class. Also returning for the 2026 tournament from the Northland are Grand Rapids, Cromwell-Wright, Kittson County Central and Cook County. -
Contributed/Full Range MediaEast Grand Forks and Sacred Heart will compete in the tournament, set for Nov. 11-14, 2026, along with Chisholm and Pine River-Backus. -
Plus: Northland high school athletes compete in soccer and cross-country state tourneys. -
Contributed/Esko SchoolsThe Esko girls took home bronze medals for the third year in a row, ending the 2026 season with a win over Watertown-Mayer. -
Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsJennifer Stately, 37, received a mandatory life sentence after a federal jury convicted her on six counts of murder and arson in February 2026.
