Contact: Mary Juhl
612-358-5733; mary.juhl@state.mn.us
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is now seeking applications for its Clean Water Fund Competitive Grants Program. More than $6 million in grants and up to $13 million in loans are available to local governments.
Two types of grants are available:
- Projects and Practices Grants invest in on-the-ground projects and practices that will protect or restore water quality in lakes, rivers or streams, or will protect groundwater or drinking water.
- Drinking Water Projects and Practices Grants emphasize land treatment projects and practices that will protect or improve drinking water sources.
Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, joint powers boards and municipalities with approved water management plans.
“These grants provide targeted support to high-priority drinking water and water quality improvement projects across Minnesota,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “Putting these Clean Water Funds in the hands of local implementors helps us be strategic and intentional about water quality improvements.”
The application period opens Feb. 11 and closes March 25. Interested applicants can find the Request for Proposals on BWSR’s website. Awards will likely be announced in summer 2026.
About the Minnesota Clean Water Fund Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Clean Water Fund receives 33 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.