What is it that you want to do? Is there a project that keeps slipping away because it isn’t a good fit for a grant program? Is there a wish list item that needs to be completed, but is a drain on the daily budget?
The Clean Water Partnership (CWP) program offers zero-interest loans to local units of government for implementing nonpoint-source best management practices and other activities that target the restoration and protection of a water resource such as a lake, stream, or groundwater aquifer.
Flexible loan options
- First tier loans are provided for local governments to build projects
- Second tier loans allow local entities to make loans to landowners and other stakeholders
The funds can be used for any non-point BMPs, including wellhead protection, inflow and infiltration (residential laterals), green infrastructure, SSTS upgrade/replacements, wetland or stream restorations, and many more!
Apply now for a CWP loan
The MPCA is accepting funding applications for water resource projects through the CWP Loan Program.
- Total funds available: Over $5 million for fiscal year 2021
- The maximum loan award for a project: $1 million
- Interest rate: Zero percent
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; funding will be approved based on available loan funds.
Request for proposals
Application forms and full details of this loan opportunity are found in the request for proposals: who may apply, funding priorities, activities eligible for funding, and other information that will help you plan your project and submit a complete application.
Clean Water Partnership Loan Program - Request for proposals (wq-cwp7-35b-fy21)
CWP loan project budget (wq-cwp7-35e-fy21)
Proposal workplan (wq-cwp7-35f-fy21)- SSTS-only proposal workplan (wq-cwp7-35g-fy21)
- Minnesota Rules - Clean Water Partnership Financial Assistance (7076)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reserves the right to amend this Request for Proposals (RFP) at any time. Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the MPCA to make any loan awards.
Celebrating successes
As of August 2020, 332 projects have constructed $84.7M of BMPs.
Clean Water Partnership loans reducing water pollution, one project at a time
CWP loans help partners address unregulated sources of water contamination, such as failing septic systems and farmland runoff.
Bald Eagle Lake now meets water quality standards
Once plagued by algal blooms and murky water, Bald Eagle Lake in the northern Twin Cities near Hugo is now much healthier — meeting state water quality standards for the first time in 37 years.
CWP, SSTS and BMP spell less pollution
Clean Water Partnership awarded $3.45 million in low-interest loans to four local partners to reduce pollution by upgrading septic systems and implementing best management practices in their watersheds.