The city of Kelliher was awarded nearly $2 million in grants and loans from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA), Department of Employment and Economic Opportunity (DEED), and other government entities to use on upgrades for of its public infrastructure.

The funding allows the city to replace a water tower and water main and additionally gives them the opportunity to rehabilitate its aging sewer collection system.

“I’m happy to see PFA, DEED, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture award Kelliher much needed funding to assist with critical upgrades of the city’s public utilities,” said Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids). “With this aid, Kelliher will become a safer place for current resident and a more attractive location for new families and businesses. Unfortunately, Aging and failing water and sewer systems pose a problem for many other communities across northern Minnesota. I hope that in future bonding bills we can remain committed to tackling these upgrades to further protect the residents of our state.”

Funding for the water tower and water main project came from the following sources:

PFA Water Infrastructure Fund grant – $421,000

DEED Small Cities Development Program grant – $600,000

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program grant – $233,267

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program loan – $123,000

 

Funding for the sewer collection system upgrades came from the following sources:

PFA Water Infrastructure Fund grant – $109,000

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program grant – $158,085

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program loan – $321,920