PFA Awards Over $28 million in Water Infrastructure projects

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $28.35 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glenco, Glenwood and Rice County.

“I’m working hard to rebuild infrastructure in every corner of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I’m excited that $28 million dollars will be going directly to these greater Minnesota communities to help improve their water quality. Everyone in Minnesota deserves clean drinking water–regardless of their zip code.”

“These PFA dollars are a valuable resource to communities all across Minnesota,” said PFA Chair and Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Steve Grove. “Investing in infrastructure shows that these communities are eager to serve current and future business and workforce needs.”

Details on the individual projects below:

Crystal Bay Township, $60,000

This project consists of assessing potential wastewater treatment options for the community. Funding for this project comes from a $60,000 Small Community Waste Water Technical Assistance grant.

Fertile, $2,240,181

This project consists of the replacement of aging watermains, hydrants and gate valves. A 20-year 1 percent Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) loan will cover $1,654,575 of the costs. The remaining $585,606 will come from a Water Infrastructure Fund (WIF) grant. The DWRF loan is expected to save $341,962 when compared to market rate financing.

Glencoe, $24,899,551

This project consists of rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater treatment facility and upgrades to provide additional treatment for phosphorus. Project funding includes a Point Source Implementation Grant of $5,810,667, a Clean Water Revolving Fund (CWRF) principal forgiveness grant of $691,822 for green infrastructure components, and a 1 percent loan CWRF loan for $15,397,062 . The low-interest loan is expected to save $2,011,366 when compared to the cost of market rate financing. The remaining $3 million will come from a special legislative appropriation.

Glenwood, $1,111,222

This project consists of replacement of aging watermains, hydrants and gate valves. The total cost will be funded by a loan of $1,111,222 from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund. The 20-year 1 percent loan is expected to save $131,082 when compared to the cost of market rate financing.

Rice County, $46,000

This project consists of a feasibility study to evaluate wastewater treatment alternatives in the southwest Cedar Lake community. Funding will come from a $46,000 Small Community Waste Water Technical Assistance grant.

The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) provides financing and technical assistance to help communities build and maintain public infrastructure that protects public health and the environment and promotes economic growth. Since its inception in 1987 the PFA has financed $4.5 billion in public infrastructure projects in communities throughout Minnesota.