Each week in February, the CGMC is shining a light on a different topic that impacts Greater Minnesota cities. For the week of Feb. 15-19 we are focusing on water infrastructure.

Clean water is a fundamental need and one of Minnesota’s greatest assets. Cities are often on the front lines of ensuring their residents have clean water to drink and that the wastewater released back into our waters has been removed of pollutants and impurities. As facilities age and new water-quality rules are enacted, hundreds of cities in Minnesota are now facing the need to upgrade and repair their water infrastructure. These projects often cost millions (and frequently tens of millions) of dollars — massive expenses that are nearly impossible for cities to undertake completely on their own.

This session, the CGMC is seeking $100 million in bonding for water infrastructure grant and loan programs administered by the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). These programs help cities pay for these expensive-yet-vital water projects that help ensure that our drinking water is safe and our wastewater is properly treated.

Here are some ways you can join the CGMC and your fellow Greater Minnesota city leaders by participating in Water Infrastructure Advocacy Week:  

 1. Get informed

Learn more about water infrastructure needs and CGMC’s plans to help address them in this handout:

2. Contact your legislators

Call, email or send a letter to your state legislators stressing the need for a bonding bill this year that invests at least $100 million in the PFA’s water infrastructure grant and loan programs. Share the CGMC’s Protect Minnesota’s Waters handout with them as well.   

  • If your city has a water infrastructure project in the works or on the horizon, be sure to share details about your project and why state funding is needed.
  • Even if your city is not currently pursuing a water infrastructure project, it is still important that you contact your legislators and urge them to pass a bonding bill with significant PFA funding. The more projects that can get funded, the more likely money will be available when your city needs it.   

You can find your legislators’ contact information at Who Represents Me? 

3. Join CGMC staff in meetings with key legislators and officials

We have set up several meetings this week with key legislators and state officials to discuss Greater Minnesota’s water infrastructure needs and the importance of passing a bonding bill this year. If you would like to participate in any of the meetings, please contact CGMC environmental lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.

4. Like & share our posts on social media (and add your own!) 

We will be posting about water infrastructure on social media all week. Be sure to follow CGMC on Facebook (facebook.com/greatermncities) and Twitter (@greatermncities). Please like, retweet and share our posts — and add your own! — using the hashtag #GreaterMNWaterInfrastructure. We encourage you to tag your legislators in the posts as well!  

Past & Future Advocacy Weeks  

  • Feb. 1 – Feb. 5: LGA Week
  • Feb. 8 – Feb. 12: Child Care Week  
  • Feb. 15 – Feb. 19: Water Infrastructure Week  
  • Feb. 22 – Feb. 26: Housing Week  

If you have any questions about the CGMC’s environmental initiatives or CGMC Advocacy Weeks, please contact Julie Liew at jlliew@flaherty-hood.com.