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 $8.7 million in grants and $8.2 million in loans are available to local governments. Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, joint powers boards and municipalities with approved water management plans.
“Supporting local efforts to improve water quality and protect drinking water is essential to BWSR’s mission,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “These grants will help local governments advance meaningful conservation work throughout Minnesota.”
The application period opens June 29 and closes August 24. Grants are typically awarded during the winter following the application period. Interested applicants can find the Request for Proposals on BWSR’s website.
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.