Counties, municipalities, and townships for planning and assistance to support drinking water regionalization appropriation

This bill provides $1 million in one-time funding to Minnesota counties, municipalities, and townships to help plan and develop regional drinking water systems. The funds can be used for planning activities like feasibility studies, engineering analysis, legal assessments, and community engagement to support infrastructure projects under state law. The commissioner of health must create an application process by November 2026 that prioritizes projects addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development, with each grant capped at $300,000 annually and requiring a 25 percent match from recipients. A report on grant awards and project progress must be submitted to legislative committees by January 2027.