On Feb. 20, 2018, the state of Minnesota settled its lawsuit against the 3M Company in return for a settlement of $850 million. Minnesota’s attorney general sued 3M in 2010 alleging that the company’s production of chemicals known as PFAS had damaged drinking water and natural resources in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. After legal and other expenses are paid, about $720 million will be invested in drinking water and natural resource projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan region.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are co-trustees of these funds.
Priority 1 — Ensure safe and sustainable drinking water
With PFAS having contaminated domestic water supplies in a number of southeast metro communities, the top priority for grant funds will be projects aimed at providing a clean, sustainable supply of drinking water in the area.
Priority 2 — Enhance natural resources
The second priority for grant spending is to enhance aquatic resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the east metropolitan area, or downstream of the area on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Priority 1 Updates
- 2023 Annual Legislative Report: the 2023 3M Settlement Annual Legislative Report and Spending Plan is now available.
- 2022-2023 Annual Review: the Conceptual Drinking Water Supply Plan Annual Review, 2022-2023 is now available.
- Final drinking water supply plan: see the Final Drinking Water Supply Plan webpage for an overview of the plan and community projects and access the Priority 1 drinking water grant form.
- Well sampling in the East Metro area: If you live in or near an affected area, you can request to have your private well water tested. For more information: Well sampling in the East Metro Area.
Priority 2 Updates
- Work groups: more information about priority two work groups can be found on the work groups page.