Pine County board approves adding $500,000 to MPCA Clean Water Partnership loan for septic replacements

Pine County accepted staff’s recommendation to authorize an amendment to its 2024 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Clean Water Partnership loan, increasing the loan amount by $500,000 to support septic-system replacement work in the 2026 construction season.

County staff told commissioners the original MPCA loan approved in 2024 was $750,000; the county has to date loaned out about $686,000 and the program has replaced 224 noncompliant septic systems since the program began in 2016. The program provides property owners with a loan repaid on property taxes to replace noncompliant systems; staff noted the program generally helps local contractors and homeowners and that there is a waiting list for assistance.

Commissioners moved and approved a resolution authorizing the county administrator to execute an amendment increasing the loan by $500,000 and extending the loan term window for use. The board recorded a roll-call vote in favor of the amendment.

Staff said the additional funds will allow the program to meet demand for the 2026 construction season and continue a program that staff and contractors described as broadly successful.