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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Red Lake and four other Northern Minnesota counties are classified as legal deserts, with fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents. -
And: The DNR confirmed zebra mussels in LaRue Mine Pit and Kabekona Lake; and Fulton Brewing will acquire Bemidji Brewing.
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Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageJonathan David Polaski died Aug. 8, 2026, following a medical emergency in jail. -
Contributed/Sam Stukel / U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe invasive species damages boats, poses an injury risk to humans and harms native species. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe partial acquisition is slated to finalize in October 2026. Founders say the move means greater production and distribution capabilities for the Bemidji brand. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEFederal officials told the Minnesota Star Tribune that a person firing a gun was fatally shot during an encounter with police on Aug. 13, 2026. -
Contributed/iNaturalist user SofiewicklundRecent testing found elevated levels of the bacteria, which can cause illness if ingested. Leech Lake Division of Resource Management issued a warning Aug. 12, 2026. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe discussion comes months after an inaccurate news report listed Bemidji among places where data centers were being considered. -
Plus: Itasca County Board results; Bemidji contemplating data center moratorium
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Graphic/KAXELonny Witkofsky and Cory Smith are advancing to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, based on unofficial results from Minnesota's primary election.
