WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced that he has secured more than $11.4 million in funding for rural water infrastructure across the First District of Minnesota. This federal funding is awarded as a part of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which included 11 Community Project Funding requests submitted by Congressman Finstad. 

This federal investment supports community projects such as pipeline replacements, contamination remediation, new wells, filtration systems, and upgraded treatment facilities. This funding will help communities across southern Minnesota ensure reliable access to clean drinking water, protect public health, and reduce the risk of system failures. These improvements similarly position communities for long-term growth by supporting housing development, local businesses, and regional economic stability while easing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help bring these federal investments home to southern Minnesota. It’s an honor to serve in Congress and advocate for this much-needed funding that strengthens critical water and utility infrastructure and supports the long-term vitality of our communities,” said Rep. Finstad. 

The following grants for FY26 Community Project Funding Requests have been secured:

Blooming Prairie Trunk Highway 218 Corridor Utility Improvement and Contamination Remediation
The City of Blooming Prairie was awarded $1,000,000 for soil and groundwater remediation and public utility upgrades.

Butterfield Water Treatment Infrastructure Improvement 
The City of Butterfield was awarded $1,050,000 to support improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment facility. 

Dennison Water Infrastructure Improvement Project 
The City of Dennison was awarded $1,000,000 to be used to repair and replace the city’s drinking water and distribution system. This funding allows Dennison to have clean drinking water for residents and businesses and prevents the water systems current age from impacting water quality. 

Eagle Lake Water Treatment Improvements Project 
The City of Eagle Lake was awarded $1,050,000 for the construction of a new water treatment facility to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Eagle Lake. 

Manchester Asbestos Watermain Replacement 
The City of Manchester was awarded $1,750,000 to replace a seventy-year-old asbestos watermain. Due to the age of the pipe, the citizens of Manchester are living under a constant threat of asbestos leaking into drinking water. 

Nerstrand Water Infrastructure Improvement Project 
The City of Nerstrand was awarded $1,000,000 to aid in the construction of two new wells, a water filtration system and a new water tower. Significant deterioration of the city’s current drinking water infrastructure puts the health and safety of the community at risk. 

North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District Wastewater Facility
The City of Pine Island was awarded $1,000,000 to be used for the construction of a new, regional wastewater treatment facility, the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District Wastewater Facility, which will efficiently serve the needs of four municipalities – Goodhue, Pine Island, Wanamingo, and Zumbrota, as well as the Prairie Island Indian Community – improving service and reducing costs.  Development of this regional wastewater treatment facility will allow for all five of these communities to better manage population and economic growth that is overtaxing current systems. 

Okabena Water Infrastructure Improvement 
The City of Okabena was awarded $750,000 to be used to repair, replace, and reconstruct Okabena’s drinking water distribution system to provide the residents of Okabena with safe and dependable drinking water. The current distribution system has experienced an increased number of watermain failures, which elevates the risk for contamination. 

Pemberton Water Distribution System Improvement Project
The City of Pemberton was awarded $800,000 for critical repairs to the city’s drinking water storage, well house, and distribution system. Currently, deterioration of Pemberton’s aging water infrastructure, frequent and increasing watermain breaks and leaks have increased the potential for contamination, posing a health risk to residents. 

Rochester Water Infrastructure Improvements Project 
The City of Rochester was awarded $1,000,000 for water infrastructure upgrades that will support future residential, commercial, and industrial growth near Rochester Airport and along the Zumbro River. Federal investment will help to strengthen the regional and state economy by unlocking capacity for additional housing and economic growth.

Trimont Water Infrastructure Improvements 
The City of Trimont was awarded $1,000,000 for replacement of its existent mechanical wastewater plant with a three-call wastewater stabilization pond system. Federal investment will address critical sanitary sewer collection system and water distribution system needs.