On Thursday, the House Capital Investment Committee held a hearing focused on the funds coming to Minnesota from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), as well as requests by the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). Representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures spoke about the money Minnesota will receive to fund wastewater and drinking water construction and the removal of lead service lines. Most of these funds will be available through PFA programs that will be coordinated with the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Additional legislative or regulatory changes may be needed for funds that will be directed at addressing emerging chemicals.
PFA Director Jeff Freeman explained how the federal funds will help compliment and expand some of the PFA programs. He also emphasized that even with these funds, the PFA will still need additional money from the state given the large need. The CGMC and its water coalition partners, LIUNA and Conservation Minnesota, submitted a letter in support of the PFA’s request for funding, but we pointed out that the amount sought by the PFA should be the minimum that the Legislature directs toward these programs.
If you have any questions regarding the CGMC’s work on water issues, please contact CGMC lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.
