At Bollig Engineering, we work alongside communities every day to help translate funding programs into real, buildable projects that strengthen the quality of life for small cities.
This guide walks through common small city infrastructure funding programs in Minnesota, explaining what each acronym means and how communities typically use them. It is designed as a practical reference for clerks, administrators, public works staff, and elected officials in Minnesota who are learning the funding landscape. Below you’ll find common funding acronyms, what they stand for, what they’re typically used for, and where to learn more. When paired with thoughtful planning and the right partners, these programs can move small city projects forward. If you are a small city in North Dakota or South Dakota, looking for a small city funding guide, Contáctenos aquí.
Funding programs, eligibility, and deadlines can change. This page is intended as a general resource, and communities should confirm current requirements with the administering agency.
RD – Rural Development (USDA)
USDA Rural Development provides financing and grants to support essential infrastructure in rural communities.
How it helps small cities: RD programs are often a cornerstone for water, wastewater, and community facility projects in smaller or rural communities that may not qualify for larger funding sources.
Aprende más: https://www.rd.usda.gov
WEP – Water & Environmental Program (USDA RD)
WEP is a specific USDA Rural Development program focused on water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems.
How it helps small cities: WEP funding is frequently used for system improvements that protect public health and meet regulatory requirements, and may be used alongside other public funding sources when eligible.
Aprende más: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs
CF – Community Facilities Program (USDA RD)
CF is a USDA Rural Development program that provides low-interest loans, grants, and loan guarantees for essential community facilities.
How it helps small cities: Community Facilities (CF) funding supports projects such as city halls, public works facilities, fire halls, EMS buildings, libraries, and other public safety or community-focused buildings. For small cities, CF funding can make critical facility upgrades or replacements financially feasible while spreading costs over a long term.
Aprende más: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities
SCDP – Small Cities Development Program (MN DEED)
SCDP is a Minnesota DEED program that provides grants to communities for housing, public infrastructure, and economic development.
How it helps small cities: SCDP can support infrastructure tied to housing rehabilitation or economic growth, helping communities reinvest in neighborhoods and local vitality.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/government/financial-assistance/community-funding/small-cities.jsp
PFA – Public Facilities Authority (Minnesota)
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority administers several major infrastructure funding programs, particularly for water and wastewater projects.
How it helps small cities: PFA programs often form the financial backbone of water and wastewater improvements, offering low‑interest loans and grants.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/pfa
WIF – Water Infrastructure Fund (PFA)
WIF is a PFA grant program that provides supplemental funding for eligible water infrastructure projects.
How it helps small cities: WIF can reduce the local financial burden of large projects, making critical upgrades more affordable for ratepayers.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/pfa/funds-programs/wastewater.jsp
PSIG – Point Source Implementation Grant Program (PFA)
PSIG is a PFA grant program focused on projects that address wastewater point‑source pollution issues.
How it helps small cities: PSIG funding supports communities working to meet MPCA permit requirements and improve water quality.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/pfa/funds-programs/point-source-grants.jsp
MRWA – Minnesota Rural Water Association
MRWA is a nonprofit association that provides technical assistance, training, and financing for water and wastewater utilities serving rural and small communities.
How it helps small cities: MRWA can play a direct financing role in certain situations. They often provide required interim financing for USDA Rural Development (RD) projects, which is later paid off when long‑term RD financing is finalized. MRWA may also finance smaller infrastructure projects, typically with lower processing costs, making it a practical option for communities with limited project scope or tight timelines.
Aprende más: https://www.mrwa.com
LRIP – MnDOT Local Road Improvement Program
LRIP is a state transportation funding program that supports local road, bridge, and street improvements.
How it helps small cities: LRIP can fund critical roadway projects that improve safety, access, and economic development.
Aprende más: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/lrip.html
MDH – Minnesota Department of Health
MDH is the state agency responsible for public health oversight, including the regulation of drinking water systems.
How it helps small cities: MDH guidance and approvals are often required for drinking water projects funded through state or federal programs.
Aprende más: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/dwp.html
MPCA – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MPCA is the state agency overseeing environmental protection and wastewater permitting.
How it helps small cities: MPCA requirements often drive the need for wastewater improvements and influence eligibility for funding programs.
Aprende más: https://www.pca.state.mn.us
PPL – Project Priority List
PPL is a ranking system used by funding agencies to prioritize eligible infrastructure projects.
How it helps small cities: Communities should prepare early for funding timelines, eligibility requirements, and agency reviews to help secure funding for water or wastewater improvements.
Aprende más: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/dwrf/ppl.html
CWRF – Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund
CWRF is a low‑interest loan program administered by PFA for wastewater and water quality projects.
How it helps small cities: CWRF loans provide affordable financing for major improvements that protect lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/pfa/funds-programs/cleanwaterrevolvingfund.jsp
DWRF – Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund
DWRF is a companion PFA program focused on drinking water infrastructure.
How it helps small cities: DWRF loans support improvements to treatment, storage, and distribution that ensure safe, reliable drinking water.
Aprende más: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/dwrf/index.html
BDPI – Business Development Public Infrastructure (MN DEED)
BDPI is a DEED program that helps fund infrastructure needed for business expansion or job creation.
How it helps small cities: BDPI can support utilities, streets, or site improvements tied to economic development projects.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/government/financial-assistance/business-funding/innovative/
TEDI – Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure (MN DEED)
TEDI is a funding program supporting transportation infrastructure that enables economic development.
How it helps small cities: TEDI can assist with roads, rail, or access improvements needed to support local employers and growth.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/government/financial-assistance/business-funding/tedi/
SPAP – Special Program Appropriation (Minnesota Bonding)
SPAP provides direct legislative appropriations for specific infrastructure projects through the state bonding bill.
How it helps small cities: Bonding funds can be transformative for communities with large, high‑impact projects that exceed typical funding limits.
Aprende más: https://mn.gov/deed/government/financial-assistance/community-funding/appropriations.jsp
How Bollig Helps Small Cities Navigate Funding
Funding success rarely comes from a single program. It often takes careful planning, strong documentation, and the right mix of loans, grants, and local investment. As neighbors serving neighbors, Bollig Engineering helps small cities:
- Identify the most realistic funding paths
- Get projects positioned early on priority lists
- Coordinate with agencies and reviewers
- Align technical solutions with funding requirements
If your community is sorting through funding options o planning for future infrastructure needs, we’re here to help you make sense of the process and move forward with confidence, one step at a time. Give us a call at 320-235-2555 or contáctanos aquí. Looking for funding sources in North Dakota or South Dakota? Reach out to our funding team!
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