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BWSR Awards $13.9 million in Clean Water Fund Grants

St. Paul, Minn.— The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $13.9 million in Clean Water Fund grants on Jan. 22 to improve water quality in streams, lakes, and groundwater across the state. The majority of the grant funding is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota, including $2.1 million for projects that specifically focus on improving and protecting drinking water. Multipurpose drainage management projects will receive $734,441.

“Clean water is fundamental to the health and well-being of the people who call Minnesota home,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants will improve water quality throughout our state and help provide more Minnesotans with the clean water they expect and deserve.”

The $13.9 million will fund separate grants, 37 of which are dedicated to specific projects and practices. Five grants will support multi-purpose drainage management, and 10 grants will focus on projects that specifically address drinking water issues.

For example, Pipestone Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will leverage grant funding to target highly vulnerable acres within Drinking Water Supply Management Areas. Pipestone SWCD will work with local landowners who own property within one mile of a public water supply to implement practices that promote clean water, such as cover crops. The goal: plant more than 2,000 acres with cover crops or perennial crops to enhance water quality and protect drinking water.

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.

Learn more about the grant recipients: