County, municipality, and township funding provided for planning and assistance to support drinking water regionalization; report required; and money appropriated.

Minnesota House Bill 4301 proposes allocating $1 million in state funds to counties, municipalities, and townships to assist in planning and developing regional drinking water systems. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, engineering analyses, legal and financial assessments, community engagement efforts, and preliminary and final design work. Each grant recipient can receive up to $300,000 per year, with a requirement to match at least 25% of the grant amount. The state health commissioner is tasked with creating an application process by November 2026, prioritizing projects that address aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development. A progress report on grant awards and project advancements is due by January 2027. ([revisor.mn.gov](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/4301/versions/0/pdf/?utm_source=openai))

MN HF4301 is a house bill in the Minnesota 94th Legislature 2025-2026, sponsored by Steve Gander (R), currently “Introduced” since March 16, 2026.

We track 10,590 Minnesota bills this session, 25 of them sponsored by Steve Gander.

The bill has been introduced and is currently under review by the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. As of now, there are no recorded floor votes or extensive media coverage. The bill's focus on supporting regional drinking water systems aligns with ongoing efforts to address infrastructure challenges and improve water quality in Minnesota. Stakeholders may view this initiative as a proactive step toward sustainable water management and community health.

There is no significant negative media coverage or public opposition reported at this time. However, the bill's requirement for local governments to provide a 25% match for grant funds may pose financial challenges for some counties, municipalities, and townships, potentially limiting participation from smaller or resource-constrained communities. Additionally, the bill's focus on regionalization may face resistance from local entities concerned about losing control over their water systems.