The state of Minnesota reached a settlement with 3M in 2018 after alleging that the company’s releases of PFAS chemicals had damaged drinking water and natural resources in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area. After legal and other expenses were paid, about $720 million will be invested in drinking water and natural resource projects. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are co-trustees of these funds.
Priority 1, about $700 million, is dedicated to drinking water projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area.
Priority 2, about $20 million, is for projects that restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the project area. The project area includes portions of Washington, Ramsey and Dakota counties and downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers affected by PFAS released by 3M.
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Priority 2 project goals
The Priority 2 settlement goals guided project eligibility:
Goal 1 – Restore, protect, and enhance aquatic and terrestrial resources, wildlife, and habitats.
Goal 2 – Increase understanding of fish tissue contamination, improve communication about PFAS-based fish consumption advisories, and identify and enhance alternative, non-contaminated fishing areas.
Goal 3 – Improve and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.
50% or more of the proposed project activities must take place within the Priority 2 Project Area (see expandable map above).
Application process
The application process has concluded for this one-time funding opportunity. Project selection was guided by the Request for Proposals.
Selected projects
MPCA and DNR have selected 26 projects to receive Priority 2 grant funding. Information on the selected projects is available on the Priority 2 Projects webpage.