MPCA-Planning Grants for SWC Resilience

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering planning grants to support communities in assessing vulnerabilities and planning for the effects of Minnesota's changing climate. The grants will focus on three areas: increasing resilience to stormwater and reducing localized flood risk, improving the resilience of wastewater systems, and reducing human health effects and adapting community services, ordinances, and public spaces to the changing climate. Eligible applicants include tribal nations and local governmental units, such as cities, counties, and public school districts. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with a total of approximately $1,600,000 available for planning projects. • Eligible projects include planning for increased resilience to stormwater, wastewater, and community resilience. • Applicants must submit a Grant Application Form, Workplan, and Budget. • Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as co-benefits for stormwater and wastewater, project need, lasting impact, use of climate data, and environmental justice considerations. • The MPCA will provide technical assistance resources to applicants, including examples of climate adaptation plans and tools. • The grants will be awarded for a period of up to 18 months, with a minimum match requirement of 10% of the grant amount.