BRAINERD — Crow Wing County received $60,897 in grant funds from the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 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. In 2021, $32,746 in loans were disbursed to Crow Wing County residents through this loan grant program.
“Having properly maintained and functioning septic systems will help protect groundwater in Crow Wing County. We are here to help provide information to landowners on septic system upgrades and financial assistance when available,” Nicole Erickson, Environmental Services specialist, said in a news release.
Residents can go to the “Grants | Crow Wing County, MN” official website to fill out the application and read more information on the lending program through the Region Five Development Commission. Residents who receive funding will receive a loan from the Region Five Development Commission at 3% interest 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 household. Loans can be paid off at any time, with no prepayment penalty. A $50 application fee to cover the cost of a credit report is required at 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.
Those interested in learning more about this program should contact Stephanie Barney at the Region Five Development Commission at 218-296-5201.
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