The MPCA is soliciting project proposals to distribute $5 million to communities for non-stormwater and non-wastewater implementation projects to increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Eligible project types include:
- extreme heat mitigation or management (e.g., shading structures along sidewalks, trails, and in parks and green spaces)
- hardening of public assets against extreme weather and ongoing stressors resulting from Minnesota’s changing climate (e.g., burying utility and electrical lines to protect against ice and extreme storms)
- renovations and upgrades to resilience hubs and community safe spaces (e.g., installing a clean energy source with storage to provide backup power for continuity of operations and provision of community services during extreme events)
- transportation upgrades to increase resilience and alternatives to car travel (e.g., installing or upgrading bike paths useful for commuting)
- wildfire resilience projects (e.g., using fire-resistant surfaces on public buildings in high-risk zones)
- public water supply projects that are too small or not a type to be prioritized for other funding opportunities (e.g., installing backup power from a clean energy source for a public water supply system or asset)
- upgrades to publicly owned housing or community storm shelters for climate resiliency (e.g., installing green backup power to provide resiliency to critical systems, emergency lighting, and potable water)
Applications are due no later than Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).
Questions and answers
MPCA employees cannot legally answer questions about this grant opportunity. Please submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line "FY25 Implementation Grants for Community Resilience" no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
Eligibility
Tribal nations and local governmental units that are located within the geographic boundaries of the state of Minnesota are eligible applicants. Local government units include cities, counties, towns or townships, soil and water conservation districts, water management organizations, watershed districts, regional development commissions, and metropolitan planning organizations.
Available funds
Total funding available: $5 million
How to apply
Review the RFP. The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be accessed through the online SWIFT portal. The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.
- Go to the online SWIFT portal.
- Click on "Bidding opportunities".
- Find the event by name (MPCA-Implementation Grants for Comm. Resilience) or ID (2000016347).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
Apply online. Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal.
- Register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal. (Bidding = "applying")
- Choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder".
If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. Visit the SWIFT Supplier Portal under “Informational Tips” and “Supplier Portal Help” for more information.
Need help with SWIFT? Direct questions about applying through SWIFT to the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.