NEW ULM, MN – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), members of the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, held a roundtable discussion on rural water infrastructure and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs available to local communities. In attendance were representatives from Amboy, Eagle Lake, Blue Earth County, Waseca County, as well as numerous municipal, state, and national rural water and development stakeholders.
“Safe, reliable water systems are something every American should be able to count on,” said Rep. Finstad. “While our rural communities face unique obstacles in improving water infrastructure, I remain committed to listening to our neighbors and doing everything I can at the federal level to be a strong partner. In the FY26 appropriations process, I was proud to secure $11.4 million in funding for rural water infrastructure projects across southern Minnesota. I appreciated our conversation in Eagle Lake to hear how these dollars will be put to work to positively impact their residents.”
Finstad continued, “A big thank you to my friend, Rep. Dusty Johnson, for joining me in the First District and to everyone in attendance who shared their experiences and knowledge as we work together to make sure rural America has reliable access to clean drinking water – protecting public health and strengthening the long-term vitality of the places we call home.”
“Clean, accessible water is necessary to ensure a vibrant and healthy rural America. I’m grateful for the Farm Bill’s investments in rural water but more work must be done to get these systems across the finish line,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m hopeful the input from communities in yesterday’s roundtable gives USDA important feedback on how to improve these programs so clean and reliable water can make it to every home.”
