St. Cloud Receives $80,034 for Lead Service Line Replacements

(KNSI) – St. Cloud will receive $80,034 in funding as part of more than $236.4 million in loans and grants awarded to 30 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across 18 Minnesota cities from the Minnesota Public Facility Authority.

The money will go toward three service line replacement projects focused on removing lead lines and replacing them with copper lines. The projects will target Wilson Avenue, St. Germain Street, and the University Drive SE and 8th Avenue SE area. The Environmental Protection Agency says lead contamination in drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women, and can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other long-term health problems.

A press release from the MPFA says for St. Cloud, the investment represents a proactive approach to addressing aging water infrastructure and ensuring safe drinking water for residents in key areas of the city.

“The impact of the MPFA’s funding is felt around the state and is vital to improving not only the health of our communities, but the health of our environment and economy,” said Matt Varilek, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and MPFA chair. “By prioritizing clean and accessible drinking water, we are working to ensure the wellbeing of our communities for years to come.”

“The MPFA provides crucial financing and technical assistance to communities who might not have access to it otherwise, encouraging economic growth and protecting the health of Minnesotan communities,” said MPFA Executive Director Steve Walter. “Keeping our water clean, drinkable and accessible is the core goal of the MPFA and an investment in Minnesota’s economic growth and prosperity.”

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