Crow Wing County received $32,746 in grant funds from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide funding to replace or protect septic systems for low-income residents.
Proper septic maintenance ensures that groundwater is being protected from human contaminants. Last year, $18,600 in loans from these funds were disbursed to county residents through this loan grant program.
“Having functional septic systems benefits our groundwater quality. It’s important not to pollute groundwater because it’s a major water source,” Jacob Frie, an environmental services supervisor, stated in a news release.
Residents who receive funding will be provided a loan from the Region Five Development Commission at 3% for 60 months for the cost of the projects. The terms of the loan are set by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
The total funds awarded to an applicant will depend on the cost of the system, yearly income and size of the household. Loans can be paid off at any time, with no prepayment penalty. A $50 application fee is required at the time of application.
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Priority of funding will first be given to low and very low-income landowners. All need-based low-income applicants will be funded to some degree, pending repayment availability as determined by the North Central Economic Development Association Loan Board.
Residents can go to www.crowwing.us/242/Grants to fill out the application and read more information on the lending program through the Region Five Development Commission.
For more information about this program, call Stephanie Barney at 218-296-5201.
