The MPCA is soliciting project proposals to distribute $35 million to communities for projects to prepare local stormwater infrastructure for the impacts of climate change. These projects are specifically meant to address water quantity and prevent localized flooding. Project examples include the construction of:
- Storage
- Stormwater retention/detention ponds
- Smart stormwater ponds
- Storage and reuse
- Multi-use storage that provides community amenities when not flooded
- Infiltration
- Raingardens
- Infiltration basin
- Other bioretention features
- Conveyance system improvements
- Larger pipes without negative downstream impacts
- Above-ground street drainage improvements
- Impervious surface reduction
- Treatment train approaches to slow and reduce volume
As Minnesota’s climate continues to warm, extreme storms have pushed aging and undersized stormwater systems in communities across the state to the breaking point. Over the last 20 years, Minnesota has experienced 10 “mega-rain” events, when at least six inches of rain falls over an area of at least 1,000 square miles. Today more than 155,000 homes and apartment buildings, 29,000 miles of roads, and 13,000 commercial buildings in Minnesota are at risk of severe flooding.
Applications are due before 4 p.m. on April 11, 2024.
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 “FY 24 Stormwater Grants” no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Informational session
The MPCA held an online-only informational meeting to answer questions about this grant opportunity (70 min.).
Eligibility
Tribal nations and local governmental units (LGUs) that are located within the geographic boundaries of the state of Minnesota are eligible applicants. LGUs include cities, counties, towns (townships), soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), water management organizations (WMOs), watershed districts (WDs), regional development commissions (RDCs), and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
Available funds
Total funding available: $35 million.
How to apply
The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed 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 (Implementation Grants for SW Resilience) or ID (2000015245).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
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. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.