The state is targeting nearly $70 million to update and improve water, wastewater and solid waste systems.
Mike Perkovich directs environmental funding for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He says the money improves existing infrastructure for several cities, cooperatives and businesses.
“A lot of our projects tend to be line replacement projects. You know, the sewer lines are 50, 60 years old and leaking and so they need to replace that or the water lines or our old cast iron that's experienced and breaks. It seems like a lot of our projects are line replacement projects.”
Perkovich says some cities use funding to upgrade water towers or treatment facilities. Other projects can include cleanup efforts.
The DENR funds water and wastewater grants and loans annually. The money comes from state fees, lotto ticket sales and the state legislature.