January 15, 2024 By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability, WSB
Sustainability can be looked at as a three-legged stool, supported by environmental, economic, and social components. As the federal government provides resources for communities to drive sustainable solutions across the country, they are balancing those three pillars and building a more resilient future. The flow of federal dollars to community projects not only modernizes infrastructure and helps meet local needs, but it also can support priorities that address important issues like sustainability and climate change. The business case for sustainability could not have been stronger, by reducing cost and risk, meeting evolving needs of stakeholders, providing new services, staying competitive, growing workforce development opportunities and advancing public health and prosperity for all communities.
Looking to the future of infrastructure across the country, ensuring it is environmentally resilient, equitable and drives collaboration are three key priorities for federal policymakers. Partnerships are key to formulating solutions to some of society’s most complex challenges by advancing comprehensive, sustainable investments across systems such as water, energy, transportation, buildings and land use.
Passing Historic Federal Funding Packages
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) were signed into law in the past few years with the goal of delivering significant economic investment in infrastructure projects across the country by providing funding for sustainable solutions, while creating a more resilient and equitable future. These programs opened the door to help communities tackle systemic issues and include a diverse array of investments that will reshape our nation in the long-term. Here are just a few of the groundbreaking investments:
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
$55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure including replacing lead pipes
$1 billion to reconnect communities that have been divided by past infrastructure projects which primarily affected people of color
$110 billion for roads and bridges
$39 billion for public transportation
Inflation Reduction Act
40% of climate and energy spending benefitting disadvantaged communities
$3 billion in environmental justice grants for community-based organizations
$225 million for tribal climate resilience
$3.2 billion in grants to support projects that improve walkability, safety and affordable transportation.
Fostering Regional Collaboration
This infusion of federal funding for sustainable solutions nurtures greater collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the ability respond to challenges. Regional collaboration means those dollars have a bigger impact on sustainability and long-term change. These partnerships break down the walls across systems and sectors to prevent silos and open the door for strategic community investments.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Another way that the federal government is driving sustainability is through environmental justice, equity and inclusion. With increased funding for traditionally underserved communities comes a renewed focus by the federal government to provide investments for low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities that have faced systemic challenges. For instance, 40% of funding from the IRA law is dedicated to environmental justice communities, ensuring community infrastructure investments are not only more sustainable, but more equitable as well.
Combating Climate Change & Building a Sustainable Future
Climate change is a significant threat to the American people, national security, the economy and communities are exploring how to adapt, invest and ensure projects will foster a sustainable future for the long-term. The building projects being funded by IRA and IIJA have created a new opportunity to strengthen our nation’s climate resiliency.
In particular, a few examples include green infrastructure that mimics nature, biological wastewater treatment that uses less chemicals, renewable energy, and electrification. These investments support the needs of local communities while also creating durable investments. These projects provide more tools in the toolbox for resiliency across different systems.
How WSB Can Help
With the recent influx of federal funding for sustainable solutions, the opportunity for cities to obtain meaningful investments in sustainable, resilient infrastructure projects is better than ever. But where do cities start and how can they build towards this future? WSB is here to help. Our experienced team can help communities develop a strategy and pursue success. From securing grant funding, cultivating meaningful partnerships, developing multi-year plans, crafting policy and designing clean technology, we are helping communities across the country navigate the best path forward for sustainable futures that meet the needs of residents, businesses and their broader communities’ long-term goals.
Amy has nearly 25 years of experience across many industries, particularly energy and agriculture, in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This experience has provided Amy with a broad background that enables her to meet community and business needs based on the business case for sustainability. By working across interesting systems to simultaneously advance environmental, economic and social goals, she is able to uncover creative solutions. Through her relationship-based approach, Amy meets the unique needs of communities and businesses by working with all areas of the firm to provide comprehensive solutions.
January 15, 2024 By Mary Gute, Sr. Transportation Planner, WSB
As we move into 2024, there are many funding opportunities available to cities and counties in Minnesota. Here we provide the details, requirements and crucial dates for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) funding programs that support recreation and trails. We have also created a compact summary of all the programs we discuss here.
Scroll down to review all of the programs or click below to jump to a specific program.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Local Trail Connections Program solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Friday, March 29, 2024.
Program Purpose: This program provides grants to local government units to promote relatively short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations – not to develop significant new trails.
Overview: • Funding available will be a portion of $1.1 million from lottery proceeds • Reimbursement of up to 75% of total eligible costs, with a 25% match of non-state funds required from the applicant • Minimum grant award of $5,000 and a maximum grant award of $250,000 • Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis • Acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes • All facilities funded require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use, as well as maintained for no less than 20 years
Eligible agencies: Cities, counties and townships
Eligible projects: • Land acquisition from willing sellers in conjunction with trail development • Construction of trail bridges or trails on public or private lands where a 20-year easement for the project can be obtained • Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces • Development of permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities • Features that facilitate access and use of trails by people with disabilities • Restoration of existing trail facilities and trail bridges • Contracted maintenance of existing recreational trails
Non-eligible projects: • Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System • Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas • Construction of ordinary sidewalks • Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail project • Improvements on highways or roadways • Trails less than 10 feet in width
Funding priorities: • Projects that provide connectivity, such as trails connecting where people live to significant public resources (e.g., historical areas, open space, parks or other trails) • Projects expected to have relatively high usage or will meet the needs and interests of future generations and diverse communities • Projects that provide a unique and interesting connection to the outdoors, such as trails with scenic views, unique natural and cultural features and wildlife/nature viewing
Grant timeline • December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website • Friday, March 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline • Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process • Summer 2024 – Applicants notified of results • June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed
Minnesota Regional Trail Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Regional Trail Grant Program FY 2024 solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Friday, March 29, 2024.
Program Purpose: This program provides grants to local government units to promote the development of regionally significant trails outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Overview: • FY 2024 funding is approximately $1.1 million • The minimum grant request is $5,000; the maximum grant award is $300,000 • Reimbursement up to 75% of total eligible project costs; Recipients must provide a non-state, 25% match (other state funds or grants cannot be used) • Acquisition projects require a 20-year easement for recreational trail purposes attached to the deed • All facilities funded through this program require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use and maintained for no less than 20 years
Eligible applicants: Township, city and county government
Eligible projects: • Must be outside the seven-county metropolitan area that is considered of regional or statewide significance • Acquisition of trail facilities • Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces or permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities • Provision of features that facilitate and use of trails for persons with disabilities • Restoration or contracted maintenance of existing trail facilities • Construction or restoration of trail bridges
Non-Eligible projects: • Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System • Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas • Construction of ordinary sidewalks • Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail project • Improvements to highways or roadways • Trails less than 10 feet in width
Funding Priorities: Projects that develop trails of significant length, provide connectivity between homes and significant public sources, are expected to have relatively high usage and/or meet the needs and interests of future generations and diverse populations and provide unique and interesting connections to the outdoors (scenic views, cultural feature, and wildlife viewing).
Criteria for Regional or Statewide Significance (* = requirement) Parks • *Provide a natural setting, offer outdoor recreation facilities and primarily natural resource-based activities. The range of activities included in the park should likely attract a regional clientele. • *Provide evidence that the park serves a regional clientele (i.e., multiple communities). • Show that the park is significant in size. In southern Minnesota, 100 acres is significant. In northern MN, the acreage should be larger. • Provides unique or unusual landscape features such as historic sites or other characteristics. • Provides public natural resource-based recreational opportunities that are not available within a reasonable distance.
Trails • *Located in a regionally desirable setting that features attractive, unusual and/or representative landscapes, important destinations or high-quality natural areas. • *Serves as a destination, providing high-quality recreational opportunities, attracts a regional clientele (i.e., multiple communities) and generates an economic impact from outside the local area. Additionally, it is developed and maintained to include easy access, secure parking, access to drinking water and design to avoid user conflict. • Provides at least one hour of outdoor recreation or connects to facilities that can provide one hour of recreation in total. • Currently provides a link or will link to an existing trail of regional or statewide significance. • Provides high-quality recreational opportunities not otherwise available within a reasonable distance.
Grant Timeline • December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website • March 8, 2024 – Draft application due if the applicant seeks comments by Grant Coordinator (not required) • Friday, March 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline • March – July 2024 – Application review and selection process • July 2024 – Applicant notified of results • June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed
Minnesota Federal Recreational Trail Program
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Federal Regional Trail Program solicitation is open and accepting applications until Friday, February 29, 2024.
Program Purpose: encourage the maintenance and development of motorized, non-motorized and diversified trails by providing funding assistance for trails and trail equipment.
Overview: • The minimum grant request is $2,500; the maximum award is $200,000 • The minimum grant request per piece of equipment is $2,500; the maximum grant award is $75,000 • Reimbursement of up to 75% of total eligible project costs; a local cash match of 25% is required – local government must pass a resolution • Projects requiring acquisitions require a 20-year easement for recreational trail purposes attached to the deed • All facilities funded through this program require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use and maintained for no less than 20 years
Eligible agencies: All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, preferably in cooperation with a local trail organization
Eligible projects: • Construction of trails on federal (with limitations), state (with limitations), county, municipal or private lands where a 20-year easement can be obtained • Development of urban trail linkages near homes and workplaces • Contracted maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails • Development of permanent trailside and trailhead facilities (e.g., drainage, crossings, stabilization, parking, signage, controls, open-sided shelters, water and sanitary facilities) • Features that facilitate access and use of trails by persons with disabilities • Land acquisition from willing sellers, where value is established by a licensed and certified federal appraiser and only if twenty-year easements for recreation trail purposes are conveyed to the state • Purchase of equipment (e.g., trail groomers)
Funding priorities: • Accommodations for both motorized and non-motorized uses, including same-season access corridors • Involvement of youth corps workers such as Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa • For all-terrain vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, off-road 4×4 vehicle and snowmobile projects, priority will be given to trail acquisition and purchase of permanent easements, trail development and trail linkages to existing systems over equipment purchases • Priority will be given to all horse, in-line skate, cross-country ski, hike and bicycle trail linkages and restoration to existing trail systems, necessary trail facilities, trail signage to improve safety and trail maintenance equipment • Development of new single-track mountain bike trail system projects in areas of high user demand in partnership with the city, county and state land managers • Projects that provide recreational opportunities in underserved areas
Non-Eligible projects: • Condemnation of any kind • Construction of trails in federally designated wilderness areas • Upgrading, expanding or facilitating motorized use or access to trails used by non-motorized trail users where motorized use is prohibited or has not occurred • Construction of ordinary sidewalks • Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail projects • Improvements on highways or other roadways
Grant Timeline • December 2023 – Grant application materials made available • February 3, 2023 – Draft application due if the applicant seeks comments by Grant Coordinator (not required) • Friday, February 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline • Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process • Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results • June – November 2024 – Grantee must work on the required environmental documentation items • October/November 2024 – Grantees who have received final DNR approval of their required documentation will have their contract written after FHWA approval • June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed
Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant FY 2024 solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Monday, April 1, 2024.
Program purpose: This program provides funds to assist local governments in acquiring parkland and developing or redeveloping outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state.
Overview: All land acquired or improved with assistance from this grant program must be retained and operated solely for outdoor recreation into perpetuity. Parks and recreation areas must be operated and maintained for public outdoor recreation purposes into perpetuity. • Reimbursement of up to 50% of total eligible costs, with a 50% match required • Applicants providing a minimum of 20% match from their own resources and/or have the match committed at time of application will receive additional consideration • Minimum grant award of $10,000 and a maximum grant award of $350,000 • Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis
Eligible applicants: Cities, counties, and townships may apply.
Eligible projects: • Acquisition of parklands as well as developing or redeveloping outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. NOTE: Metro Regional Parks and Greater MN Regional Parks are not eligible for funding under this program.
Non-eligible projects: • Construction of a facility not owned by the applicant • Acquisition of land already in public ownership • Facilities unavailable for general public use • Expenses occurring outside the dates of the grant contract • Administrative expenses (indirect costs, contingency allowances, archeological surveys, legal fees) • Design and engineering fees over 10% of the total construction cost • Construction of indoor recreational facilities (ice arenas, enclosed swimming pools) • Decorative fountains, statues, and plaques • Sewer to individual campsites • Historic signage
Funding priorities: Most (60 percent) of the review and selection process will focus on priorities outlined in the 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Three strategic directions in SCORP 2020-2024 include:
– How does the project connect people to the outdoors – Does the project acquire land and/or create opportunities? – Does the project take care of what we have?
Additional review components will assess the design of the proposed project and the existing park, cost vs. benefit, health and safety, and environmental intrusions.
Grant timeline • December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website • Monday, April 1, 2024 – Grant application deadline • Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process • Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results • Fall 2024 – Awarded projects must begin • June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed
Minnesota Natural and Scenic Area Grants Program
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Natural and Scenic Area Program solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Monday, April 1, 2024.
Program Purpose: This program is to increase, protect and enhance natural scenic areas by assisting local governments and school districts in acquiring fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition.
Overview: • There are two sources of funding: federal and states funds. Federal funding should be at least $2.5 million. State funding is not yet known • Reimbursement of up to 50% of total eligible costs with a 50% match required • Minimum grant award of $10,000 and a maximum grant award of $500,000 (for total project cost of $1M) • Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis
Eligible agencies: Cities, counties, townships and school districts
Eligible projects: • Fee title acquisition of natural or scenic areas • Permanent easement acquisition of natural or scenic areas • Minimal betterment activities are eligible as part of an acquisition project, including site surveying, boundary signage and immediate measures needed to stabilize the site and ensure the safety of users • Active restoration efforts are eligible as part of an acquisition project that would significantly improve the site’s natural resource values
Funding priorities: The proposed project is assessed for consistency with Minnesota’s 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), as well as: • Natural Resource Qualities – approximately 45% • Scenic Qualities – approximately 25% • Other Review Components – approximately 30%: “Other” includes adjacent lands, educational and scientific values, open space and historical/cultural values, cost vs. benefit, match and local government commitment.
Non-eligible projects: • Acquisition of land already in public ownership • Any expenditure that occurs outside the dates of the grant contract • Administrative expenses, contingency allowances, archeological surveys and legal fees • Incidental costs of land acquisition (e.g., appraisals, closing costs and legal fees) • Recreational development • Operations and maintenance
Grant timeline • December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website • Monday, April 1, 2024 – Grant application deadline • Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process • Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results • June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed
WSB has many qualified experts on staff to support your organization during the application process and throughout the life cycle of your projects. If you are interested in learning more about any of the programs listed here or are looking for some expert assistance in submitting applications contact us to learn how we can help.
Mary has 20 years of progressively complex transportation planning and project management experience, gained from working on a variety of transportation projects for modes including roads/bridge, transit, and trails. Several these projects have included environmental documentation considerations – either pre-NEPA, or through NEPA and/or MEPA processes.
January 15, 2024 By Nate Sparks, Sr Community Planner, WSB
From new housing to industrial park expansions, building projects of various shapes and sizes provide meaningful investments in communities but need adequate funding to move forward. Especially for smaller and rural cities where budgets and resources are often not as big as their more urban counterparts, having a proper plan in place to receive needed funding is critical. Without a vision, local leaders may find themselves chasing results and finding few.
It can become too easy to view funding applications and grants as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but without a plan in place, applicants may not only miss out on funding in competitive grant processes, but also miss funding opportunities that will best serve a particular project or goal.
With all this in mind, here are some ways small cities can give themselves an advantage when attempting to find funding for important projects.
Starting with What’s In Your Control
Before seeking external grants, it’s important to start by exploring the tools currently at your disposal. Tax abatement and tax increment financing (TIF) are two methods that cities can use to help push past hurdles and ensure priority projects have adequate funding. Many cities also explore fee waivers and reductions to help make projects more affordable and attainable. These methods are within your control and may provide enough of a spark to get a project started. Redevelopment and Housing TIF Districts have 25-year durations which can capture a significant amount of revenue.
When outside funding is being pursued, it’s important to accurately consider the requirements of a grant to ensure that your community can meet the minimum requirements and provide a compelling narrative for qualification.
For example, the Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) grants require the applicant to pay 50% of the cost, so it’s important if a community is pursuing a grant that they are sure that any matching dollars can be met. Other grants may require the applicant to have a specific demographic makeup or to pay all workers involved in the project a certain wage. Smaller cities need to show caution and ensure they are pursuing the best funding sources for them, otherwise certain grants may become more of a financial burden than a smart investment.
Communicating a Clear Need
When seeking external funding, communities need a strategy to set themselves apart from other cities. Be able to articulate why a grant is being sought and why there is a need. Are you cleaning up and repurposing a brownfield? Are you expanding housing to meet a demand for workforce housing? Are you expanding an industrial park to meet a growth in population and to bring in more jobs? Are you in need of a new playground for the influx of younger residents in your community? Applicants need to understand and be able to communicate not only what the project is, but the value it brings to the community.
Being able to demonstrate in your adopted community plans that what you are seeking is clearly meeting a goal of the city is an ideal and successful strategy. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your planning documents are up to date and reflect the current reality of the community. Having a handle on the community’s context and demographic factors are excellent ways to help demonstrate need and qualifications. These documents also help people from outside your community understand the importance of projects to your community.
Harnessing Regional Collaboration
No community, regardless of size, operates in a silo. Collaborating with surrounding communities, counties or other regional entities can be a great way to not only better your chances of receiving funding but increase the types of grants you can apply for. Grant applications at the county level, for example, can create a mass of multiple groups and voices and needs that can go a long way to help as it expresses a regional demand.
Being in communication with regional partners about your demonstrated needs will alert them to opportunities for collaboration. Recently, a new playground in a low- to moderate-income city received the necessary funding to be built in part because the county was aware of the city’s goals. Grant funds were available to the county, which then contacted the city about the opportunity. WSB provided the knowledge and technical skill to help produce the plan, identify grants provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where applicable and worked through the application process to make sure the city received the needed funding.
How WSB Can Help
WSB helps cities of all sizes through a comprehensive planning and visioning process which includes identifying priorities, providing demographic data, navigating TIF requirements, bringing in potential developer partners and even writing grant applications.
Whether for revitalizing downtown, constructing housing, expanding industrial parks, building a playground or any other project, WSB can work with cities from start to finish.
Nate has been a community development professional for over 20 years. He has worked with a wide variety of communities providing guidance to municipalities of various sizes and types on a broad array of topics. He has significant experience working in townships and smaller cities which often face unique issues. His work includes writing comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances for several area communities, as well as serving the community point person for planning and zoning issues for 10 area cities and townships.
Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, have become indispensable tools for cities of all sizes in their quest for efficient data management, smart decision-making and improved civic engagement. GIS is a technology that allows for the capture, storage, analysis and presentation of spatial data. This system combines geographic information with other forms of data, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of a city. Insights from GIS can drive sustainability outcomes, advancing economic, social and environmental benefits, as well as many other benefits that help advance city goals.
Today, many communities are sitting on a vast amount of data, but unsure how to aggregate and access it all in one place. These communities tend to also have the software tools and licensing necessary to use this data in the correct manner, namely Esri’s ArcGIS Online. These communities then already have all the data and tools they need to be successful with their GIS data, they just need assistance in putting the pieces together. WSB recently worked with two cities in Minnesota – Hastings and Saint Michael – to audit and organize their data, ensuring they were able to unlock its full potential.
What Kind of Data are Cities Collecting?
Small to midsize cities stand to gain significantly by harnessing the power of GIS. When thinking about how to best utilize data, it’s important to understand what data is available. GIS data communities are collecting, include:
Public Utility Data: Efficiently managing utilities data, including sewer, water and gas pipelines is critical. GIS data can help cities maintain these systems effectively, while minimizing disruptions and enhancing public service.
Community Development Data: Understanding land use and zoning is crucial for urban planning. With GIS, cities can optimize land use, improving infrastructure and the allocation of resources.
City-Created Data: Cities can aggregate data for specific needs and uses. Collecting and analyzing data related to city services, demographics and infrastructure can lead to smarter decisions and resource allocation. Moreover, cities can extend the benefits of GIS to the community by increasing data accessibility and conducting community outreach. For instance, some cities are surveying residents to compile data on doorbell cameras which can help law enforcement solve crimes.
Who is Using the Data?
Just as important as understanding what data is available, it’s important to understand who should have access to the data. Public works and engineering staff should have access for maintenance, repairs, planning and asset management. Community development teams can utilize data to create story maps. And ultimately, a case can be made for every city department to have access to data in some form to help drive collaboration, communication and a shared understanding of city priorities.
Where Should Cities Start?
When WSB worked with Hasting and Saint Michael to organize data, this is how we effectively gathered and aggregated their data into one platform.
Perform a data and software review. What programs are being used and does the city need additional licenses? Doing an audit of this information is a good place to start.
Prepare data for ArcGIS Online. Standardizing the data across platforms ensures that when it is all moved to be housed within one program, data is understandable, accessible and usable.
Publish all data to ArcGIS Online. Once the data is standardized, all information is uploaded to ArcGIS Online, Esri’s cloud infrastructure.
Create web applications and web maps. Now that data is all in one place, creating applications is important so users can access the data they need. Not all licensed users will need access to every bit of information. Applications make the data more usable and ensures that if data is updated by one user, it is reflected across the cloud.
Train staff to understand the program and use the applications. Data is only useful if it’s understandable. WSB works with cities to train staff on how to access, update and utilize data within the cloud and related applications.
When it comes to GIS services, WSB is the ideal partner for small to midsize cities. WSB offers the expertise of a team with decades of experience in GIS and related services, guaranteeing that your city’s data is in capable hands. Furthermore, WSB’s commitment to direct municipal collaboration means that they thoroughly work to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that cities face, ensuring that GIS solutions are tailored precisely to your specific needs.
November 13, 2023 By Ryan Spencer, Director of Environmental Investigation and Remediation, WSB
Many communities and developers in Minnesota are sitting on brownfield properties that have the potential for redevelopment, but first need to be investigated for potential contamination. With approximately $2 million coming into our state from the federal government’s bipartisan infrastructure law, now is the time to take advantage and apply for the MPCA Brownfield Assessment Grant.
According to the MPCA, there are many groups that can and should apply for these dollars. They include, but are not limited to:
Community organizations
Local units of government
BIPOC developers
Emerging developers (developers who have completed 5 or fewer projects)
Tribal entities
Environmental Justice Zones
MPCA Brownfield Assessment Grant funds are targeted at areas of environmental justice. That could include underserved communities, low-income neighborhoods or areas with a significant BIPOC population. It’s important to remember that environmental justice zones do not only fall in urban centers, but also in many rural communities.
This specific grant will fund either Phase I or Phase II environmental site assessments. Phase I relates to the standardized environmental assessment of a property, and Phase II is the physical sampling of soil and other properties to determine if contamination is present.
The brownfield grants may also be used for sampling and analysis work plans, hazardous materials building surveys to identify lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials, preparation of cleanup response action plans, community engagement for reuse planning, and MPCA Brownfield Program fees.
When is the best time to apply?
The grant is an ongoing grant, with dollars available from 2022-2027, so it would be great to apply anytime. The application is relatively quick and those who are eligible should absolutely take advantage of this opportunity.
Moreover, because federal stimulus dollars are flowing into the state, the MPCA wants to take those dollars and put them to work. They are strongly encouraging interested applicants to apply.
How WSB Can Help
Do you have a brownfield site and are interested in applying for these grants? WSB can help.
WSB’s team of experts can assist with grant applications, clean up, response planning that ensures full alignment with all regulatory requirements and helping communities identify brownfield sites that would benefit from development.
Ryan Spencer is our director of Environmental Investigation and Remediation and has worked in the environmental consulting industry servicing both public and private sector clients. He is proficient in the planning, management, and completion of environmental due diligence, remediation, and brownfield grant writing.
October 6, 2023 By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater, WSB
The 3M and DuPont settlements have set the criteria for determining PFAS settlement amounts that will be offered to cities and public water systems grappling with PFAS contamination in their source waters.
The Settlements
Cities with detectable levels of PFOA and PFOS in their source waters will soon be hearing from claims administrators, if they haven’t already, regarding the 3M and DuPont settlements. The 3M settlement will be between $10.3 billion and $12.5 billion, depending on the number of claimants and the Dupont settlement is $1.185 billion for affected water systems. Money for capital investments (60 percent of the allocation) will be available as early as mid-2024 and dollars for operations and maintenance (40 percent of the allocation) will be distributed over the next several years.
3M Settlement amounts will be based on PFOA and PFOS levels and Adjusted Flow Rates as described in the following tool. Claim administrators will use a similar tool to determine DuPont settlements amounts (approximately one tenth of the larger 3M settlement amounts).
These 3M and Dupont settlement dollars are not expected to make communities with PFAS contamination whole (cover all the possible damages/costs). They do, however, offer the certainty of some financial relief for public water systems with PFOA or PFOS detected in their source water.
Opting In
Cities need to determine if opting in makes sense for their respective communities. Public water systems have a 90-day opt-out period to decide whether to participate in these settlements. The opt-out deadlines are as follows:
DuPont: December 4, 2023
3M: December 11, 2023
Here are some key points cities should consider when deciding to opt-in or opt-out:
Time Value of Money: The settlements provide a source of immediate funding, allowing cities that opt-in to lock in PFAS-related settlement dollars promptly. If a water system opts-out, they waive their right to pursue future litigation against 3M and Dupont and move to the end of the line. There is not guarantee of the amount of timing of any future funding.
Legal Council Costs: Participating communities without counsel are likely to be assessed fees as a tax, while participating communities with counsel will not be charged this fee.
How WSB Can Help
Interested in additional help? Reach out to our experts to get started.
Steve designs treatment plants and renovations (for both groundwater and surface water plants) including treatment process technologies such as reverse osmosis, ozone, activated alumina, biological filtration, lime softening, radium reduction, plate settlers, plate and frame presses and solids handling. He has worked with the AWWA Office of Government Affairs and the AWWA Research Foundation on water studies.
October 16, 2023 By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater, WSB
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota State Fair (MSF) are an unlikely duet, yet in 2023 they are singing the praises of Biological Filtration.
The Minnesota Department of Health – Acknowledged Biological Filtration’s ability to naturally achieve Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment (OCCT) and compliance with the Revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), in lieu of adding very expensive manmade chemicals like orthophosphate.
The Minnesota State Fair – Le Sueur Minnesota, a community which WSB’s director of Water and Wastewater helped convert to Biological Filtration in 2013, was awarded third place among communities with the best tasting water at the 2023 State Fair.
The Corrosion / Taste Connection:
Biological Filtration ensures that all nitrification (the conversion of ammonia to nitrate) occurs in the water treatment plant filters and not in the finished water distribution system; it also allows for the addition of chlorine after complete nitrification has occurred.
Avoiding nitrification in the distribution system is THE critical factor in the successful control of corrosion in Minnesota ground water systems.
Achieving complete nitrification prior to the addition of chlorine vastly improves the ability to achieve and maintain great natural tasting water in the distribution system and all the way to the consumer’s tap.
Current Studies Reveal Other Practical Benefits:
WSB is piloting biological filtration for several metro area communities. Some of these communities are considering harnessing biological filtration to reduce capital and chemical costs for their future water plant expansions. Orthophosphate would not need to be added if Biological Filtration is approved as the OCCT. The currently projected capital and chemical savings for one of these communities are as follows:
How WSB Has Helped and Can Help
For decades, Steve Nelson has been teaching about Corrosion Control, singing the praises of Biological Filtration and making the connection between the two. “It is now a joy to see our local communities harnessing nature to produce safe, sustainable, solutions that provide natural corrosion control, reduced capital costs, reduced chemical costs and improved taste at the consumer’s tap.” (Steve Nelson, WSB)
Interested in pursuing or exploring how biological filtration systems can improve your community’s water? Reach out to our team of experts to get started.
Steve designs treatment plants and renovations (for both groundwater and surface water plants) including treatment process technologies such as reverse osmosis, ozone, activated alumina, biological filtration, lime softening, radium reduction, plate settlers, plate and frame presses and solids handling. He has worked with the AWWA Office of Government Affairs and the AWWA Research Foundation on water studies.
October 16, 2023 By Steve Nelson, Director of Water/Wastewater and Jon Christensen, Project Manager, WSB
Smart city technology has proven to be a game changer in water management, revolutionizing how cities handle their water resources. Smart cities are leveraging innovation to improve water management, leading to increased efficiency, cost savings and proactive decision-making. Technology adoption to gather data, enhance operations and plan improvements has become vital in progressing toward more streamlined and effective utility infrastructure.
How can your community benefit from smart water management? Here are three things to consider.
Efficiency through Technological Solutions Smart cities optimize water management processes with accurate and real-time data, allowing for increased infrastructure efficiency, which reduces energy consumption and lowers costs. Integrating computer models, field data and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems can streamline operations and identify areas for rehabilitation or improvement in a water system.
Transforming the Water Management Lifecycle The impact of smart city technology is not limited to one phase of water management; it permeates the entire lifecycle. From the initial planning, design and construction stages to operation, maintenance and ongoing asset management, smart technology plays a vital role at every step. During design and construction, resources like 3D modeling create more accurate visual representations of supply, treatment, storage and distribution facilities and streamlines stakeholder and contractor communication, ultimately enhancing project outcomes.
Once construction is complete, smart city technology continues to support asset management. 3D virtual models and Building Information Modeling (BIM) coupled with field data enables cities to monitor the condition of infrastructure, identify areas that require maintenance or rehabilitation and optimize around fluctuations in energy rates. By employing proactive strategies, cities can minimize disruptions, extend the lifespan of infrastructure and reduce operational and long-term costs.
Proactive Decision-Making and Risk Management Smart cities’ ability to be proactive in their water management practices sets them apart. By continuously monitoring and analyzing data, cities can detect potential issues before they escalate and prioritize rehabilitation and replacement budgets. Predictive analytics allow municipalities to identify potential issues and replace aging water main lines in advance of breaks and failures. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions to residents, improves service reliability and reduces emergency repair costs.
How WSB Can Help Your Community Be Smart About Water Management
WSB adopts a strategic approach to water management in smart cities, from planning, design and construction to asset management and beyond. Using state of the art technology and data-driven insights, we enhance project execution and improve asset management. Our approach enables cities to leverage smart technology in delivering high-quality water service to their residents and businesses.
Steve designs treatment plants and renovations (for both groundwater and surface water plants) including treatment process technologies such as reverse osmosis, ozone, activated alumina, biological filtration, lime softening, radium reduction, plate settlers, plate and frame presses and solids handling. He has worked with the AWWA Office of Government Affairs and the AWWA Research Foundation on water studies.
Jon’s experience in water and wastewater engineering include water supply systems, sanitary sewer collection systems and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Prior to joining WSB, Jon spent two years with an NGO in Honduras designing and constructing electricity-free sustainable drinking water treatment plants.
September 18, 2023 By Behnaz Beladi, Director of Renewable Energy, WSB
WSB knows the importance of creating resilient and sustainable cities that prioritize the needs of its residents while preserving the environment. Smart cities that utilize technology to collect data and improve operations are crucial in advancing toward a more sustainable future. Renewable energy has emerged as a critical strategy in achieving this goal and is being implemented and managed in various ways across smart cities.
Here are several key benefits and challenges of implementing renewable energy in smart cities:
Reducing Emissions
An important benefit of using renewable energy in smart cities is that it helps reduce carbon emissions. By using distributed energy resources such as wind and solar power, smart cities work towards reducing their carbon footprint to zero. This helps the environment and makes the city a desirable place to live and work.
Economic Growth
One of the most significant benefits of renewable energy in smart cities is the potential for economic growth. Affordable and reliable renewable power can attract and retain companies, provide green jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation through renewable business incubators.
Quality of Life
Public health and safety can be improved through emission free cities. Renewable energy increases the quality of life for residents, particularly those in lower-income households. Inclusivity is promoted by providing access to renewable resources and grants to help cover the costs for low-income residents. Furthermore, residents can be paid to redistribute excess energy back into the grid, providing additional financial support to those needing it.
Challenges
Despite these benefits, there are still challenges to implementing renewable energy in smart cities. To sufficiently leverage renewable sources, a great deal of new transmission infrastructure is required. Power transmission infrastructure was built with large fossil fuel plants and nuclear plants in mind. This raises issues for renewable energy sources not located near existing infrastructure. In fact, some areas with little or no infrastructure, such as off-shore wind farms, are some of the best hopes for sources of renewable energy. In some cities, it may be more difficult to build power plants due to geography, regulations and policies, or issues with constructability. However, through technology and innovation, WSB helps cities find ways to utilize existing infrastructure while being incredibly cost-effective in the long run. This includes incorporating smart EV chargers into commercial buildings and condominiums, helping with solar needs for residential or commercial buildings, and designing wind and solar power plants for cities and utilities.
How WSB Can Help
Renewable energy is an essential component of any smart city. By reducing carbon emissions, driving economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents, renewable energy is helping to create cities of the future. As more communities adopt renewable energy practices, WSB is here to help design and build new infrastructure or incorporate renewable energy sources into existing infrastructure.
Behnaz manages the multi-disciplinary renewable energy team in project and program operations. She is an accomplished academic, with a PhD of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna, an associate of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and has served on the board of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, advocating for policy and regulatory initiative’s that strengthen the industry.
By Andi Moffat, VP of Environmental and Eric Zweber, Sr Renewables Project Manager, WSB
Solar energy is on the rise, and it’s not just about cleaner power – it’s also about smarter land use. In Minnesota, a groundbreaking community solar law passed earlier this year is spurring action, allowing communities to turn underutilized land more easily, including brownfields and contaminated sites, into thriving community solar sites.
This innovative approach not only benefits the environment but also boosts local economies and creates job opportunities. With new legislation making it easier to establish solar gardens, the future looks brighter than ever.
Here is what this new law means and how communities across Minnesota can take advantage.
Legislation Paves the Way for Solar Garden Expansion
Recent legislation in Minnesota makes it easier to establish solar gardens. The 2023 law increases the allowed energy production on a site from one to five megawatts of power. On average, it takes about 35-40 acres of land to produce five megawatts of energy. The increase in allowed energy production makes solar more attractive for investors which will help spur overall solar growth. While the law applies to regions whose energy is covered by investor-owned utilities like Xcel Energy, distribution generation projects can be created in other utility service territories.
Moreover, the new law requires that the garden must benefit at least 25 subscribers. Of those subscribers, 55 percent must be public interest (i.e., local government, school districts, certain non-profit organizations, etc.), and 30 percent must serve subscribers with low to moderate incomes. Communities looking to identify subscribers that meet these requirements can work with organizations like Fresh Energy.
Finally, this law increases community solar opportunities across the state by removing county-specific restrictions for solar development. This change reduces barriers for communities and organizations who want to develop community solar sites. As a result of this law, solar initiatives are expected to flourish statewide, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental and economic impacts.
Transforming Underutilized Land & Providing Opportunities
Many large pieces of available property, including brownfields, often wait decades for redevelopment. Community solar offers an attractive interim use for these underutilized spaces. Putting community solar on these properties can accelerate the return on investment for landowners, while also providing an immediate positive impact to the community.
Beyond the financial incentives for landowners or subscribers, transforming spaces into solar gardens creates opportunities for local employment, fosters economic growth and contributes to the state’s clean energy and electrification goals.
How WSB Can Help
If you are a community or large commercial organization looking to utilize land and take advantage of this new opportunity, WSB is here to help. We are a full-service solar development firm and can provide site design, help identify land for community solar sites or make connections with contractors. Furthermore, we help your community examine and update local ordinances to align with the recent change in state statute.
Andi is a Vice President with more than two decades of experience leading people and projects that include planning, environmental, energy, highway, natural resources, construction and development. She oversees our Environmental services and approaches her work with passion and positivity.
Eric has over 20 years experience with community planning, renewable energy and sustainability projects. He has worked cooperatively with a number renewable energies developers to develop both solar and wind resources and is a past board member of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industrial Association (MnSEIA). He has a passion for sustainable and resilient practices to address the needs of communities and larger public.
