The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $750,000 in planning grants to support climate resilience projects across Minnesota. These grants focus on helping communities assess climate vulnerabilities and prepare for long-term climate impacts on stormwater, wastewater, and community services. Specifically, eligible projects should address strategies to increase resilience to stormwater, mitigate flood risks, enhance wastewater system durability, and adapt community health services, public ordinances, and public spaces to the changing climate. The grants aim to empower local communities in tackling infrastructure stresses, excessive heat, worsening air quality, and other challenges exacerbated by climate change.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. CST on November 14, 2024. Interested applicants can address their questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us with “FY 25 Planning Grants for SWC Resilience” in the subject line, with a submission deadline for questions of November 7, 2024. An informational meeting was held by the MPCA to guide applicants on the grant process and the SWIFT portal, where recordings and additional resources are available.

Eligible applicants include tribal nations, cities, counties, townships, soil and water conservation districts, water management organizations, and water districts within Minnesota. These entities can propose projects to help build localized climate adaptation plans, especially for areas currently vulnerable to infrastructure strain and climate-driven health risks.

To apply, all applicants must access the Request for Proposal (RFP) through the SWIFT portal, listed as “MPCA-Planning Grants for SWC Resilience” or by ID “2000016289.” Applicants are required to register as bidders on the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Those new to the portal should choose "Register for an Account" and "Register as a Bidder." Applicants already registered in the system can use their existing supplier ID. Assistance with the portal or registration can be obtained through the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.

Through this funding, the MPCA seeks to facilitate local government planning efforts that will enhance climate resilience, ultimately strengthening Minnesota’s preparedness for climate-related impacts in vulnerable communities.