Three Central Minnesota Cities Share Millions in Funding for Water Projects

(KNSI) — Three central Minnesota cities are among the 26 statewide that will share $180 million in funding awarded in the second half of 2021 to improve water service and protect waterways.

The money came from clean water revolving fund loans, which are given out in cooperation with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to provide below-market-rate loans to finance wastewater treatment projects. Funding is also provided through drinking water revolving fund loans that offer below-market-rate loans to improve public water systems.

The City of Melrose was awarded $6,377,000 for improvements to the wastewater treatment facility. Funding for this project comes from a $2,096,321 CWRF loan, a $780,679 CWRF principal forgiveness grant, and a $3.5 million special legislative appropriation. In addition to the PFA funding, the city contributed $4,464,735 from its own funds.

The City of Eden Valley received $3,211,312 for two projects replacing sanitary sewer and water main in two parts of town. The sanitary sewer works are funded by a $1,925,380 CWRF loan. The water main work funding comes from a $1,285,832 DWRF loan.

Royalton received $2,211,776 to replace an aging water main, hydrants, and valves. A press release from the MPFA says $1,311,776 of that cost comes from a DWRF loan. Another project will construct a storm sewer collection system and sedimentation pond in conjunction with Highway 10 reconstruction. That money will come from a special legislative appropriation of $900,000 and a local debt issuance of $825,000.

Also in 2021, Cold Spring, St. Cloud, and Clearwater received more than $12 million for water infrastructure improvements.

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