Priority 2 of the 3M Settlement provides $20 million in grant funds to compensate for losses to recreational and ecological resources resulting from PFAS released by 3M. Grant funds will be used to fund projects designed to enhance aquatic resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The DNR and MPCA have elected to solicit project proposals directly from the organizations and communities via a public RFP process.
Both the Government and 3M Work Group and Resident Work Groups met for seven meetings in 2023-2024 and helped to shape the Priority 2 goals and priorities through a public feedback process with the DNR and MPCA. The next meeting will take place after the first round of grant awards are announced (Early 2026 date anticipated).
The work groups provided feedback on the formation of three main aspects of the process used to solicit proposals:
- The goals for Priority 2 projects
- The evaluation criteria used to guide project selection
- The scope of the RFP (application procedures, funding caps, project area, etc.)
Previous meeting materials
January 2024
December 2023
- Priority 1 work group
November 2023
September 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
Priority 2 Government and 3M Work Group
The DNR and MPCA invited members to join the Priority 2 Government and 3M Work Group if their communities:
- Have experienced natural resources injuries or recreational service losses from PFAS released by 3M; and
- Are located in the East Metropolitan Area and/or in downstream locations of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Priority 2 Resident Work Group:
The following criteria were used to select residents from the affected communities:
- Evaluation of desire to become a member
- Evidence of East Metropolitan Area involvement either as a resident or working in the area
- Skills and abilities, such as personal and professional background and skills, technical abilities, or experience in public engagement, public involvement or group participation
- Geographic diversity within the East Metropolitan Area (primarily the three counties) and ethnic, age, disability diversity
- Representation of individuals that participate in various recreational activities and uses of natural resources in three county area (e.g., recreating, conservation, restoration)
Submit any questions about Priority 2 work groups or grant processes to 3MPriority2@state.mn.us.