MAT News and Updates

Federal Grant Opportunities
Posted August 3, 2026
New federal grant opportunities are available that may be relevant to Minnesota townships and other local governments. The July 31 funding update includes information on current federal programs, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and resources for communities seeking funding for local projects and services. Learn More

MnDOT Rural Horizontal Curves Safety Countermeasures Webinar
Posted July 30, 2026
MnDOT’s Local Road Traffic Safety Webinar Series continues September 23 with a session focused on safety countermeasures for rural horizontal curves. The webinar will highlight effective countermeasures, design considerations, and operational improvements aimed at reducing crashes and improving safety on curves. Participants will also receive resources and contacts they can use when considering improvements to local roads. Learn More and Register

Funding Opportunity: EPA Opens $25.5 Million Grant Program for Rural Wastewater Assistance
Posted July 20, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced $25.5 million in technical assistance funding to help small, rural, and Tribal communities address wastewater and water-quality challenges. The program supports communities seeking infrastructure funding, improving wastewater-system management, maintaining compliance, and addressing decentralized systems such as septic systems. Learn More

Snowplow Simulator Training Available for Township Road Personnel
Posted July 16, 2026
Minnesota LTAP is offering Snowplow and Safety Simulator Training at locations throughout Minnesota during August and September. The two-hour training gives township employees and other local snowplow drivers an opportunity to practice responding to hazardous weather, traffic, and roadway conditions in a controlled simulator environment. Learn More

IRS Mileage Rate Update: 72.5¢ to 76¢ Effective July 1
Posted July 16, 2026
The federal standard business mileage rate increased from 72.5 cents to 76 cents per mile, effective July 1, 2026. Township officials and employees should review the updated guidance when calculating reimbursements for the use of personal vehicles on township business. Learn More

MnDOT Announces 2026 LRIP Grant Solicitation: $50 Million Available for Local Road Projects
Posted July 1, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the 2026 Local Road Improvement Program solicitation, with $50 million in general obligation bond funding available for eligible local road projects. The solicitation is expected to open September 1, with applications due November 25, 2026. Learn More

Grant Opportunity for Townships: Address Emerald Ash Borer and Strengthen Community Forests
Posted June 29, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering community forestry grant opportunities to help local governments address Emerald Ash Borer and strengthen public tree populations. Eligible activities may include tree inventories, planning, removal of affected trees, replacement planting, and other community forest-management work. Learn More

Pack Shed Wastewater Discharge Discussion
Posted June 22, 2026
The Local Food Advisory Committee met July 14 to discuss wastewater discharge issues involving pack sheds and local food-processing operations. The topic may be relevant to township officials responsible for drainage, land use, environmental concerns, and agricultural operations. Learn More

Grant Alert: Rural EMS Training Funds Available
Posted June 22, 2026
A federal FY 2026 grant opportunity is available to support rural emergency medical services training and workforce development. The funding is intended to strengthen emergency response capacity by supporting the recruitment, education, training, and retention of EMS personnel in rural communities. Learn More

New Road and Infrastructure Training Opportunities
Posted June 3, 2026
Minnesota LTAP offers training, events, online courses, technical resources, and professional-development opportunities covering local roads, maintenance, construction, safety, drainage, equipment operation, and transportation management. Township officials and employees can review current opportunities through the Minnesota LTAP website. Learn More

Apply to Become a Minnesota GreenCorps Member
Posted May 15, 2026
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is accepting applications for Minnesota GreenCorps, an AmeriCorps program that places members with organizations working on environmental projects throughout the state. Members may assist local governments and community organizations with sustainability, waste reduction, conservation, climate resilience, and related initiatives. Learn More

LTAP Motor Grader Operator Training
Posted May 9, 2026
Minnesota LTAP is offering Motor Grader Operator Training for local agency employees responsible for maintaining gravel roads. The hands-on program covers grader operation, roadway inspection, proper road shape, drainage, safety, and techniques for maintaining durable gravel surfaces. Learn More

MnDOT Webinar: Rural Intersection Safety Countermeasures
Posted May 5, 2026
MnDOT’s Local Road Traffic Safety Webinar Series is offering a session focused on safety countermeasures for rural intersections. The program is intended to help local transportation officials understand practical strategies that can reduce crashes and improve safety on rural road systems. Learn More

Grants Available for Solar on Public Buildings
Posted May 4, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program provides financial assistance for solar-energy systems installed on publicly owned buildings. Eligible local governments may use the program to reduce energy costs and expand the use of renewable energy at public facilities. Learn More

Funding Available Through the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program
Posted April 10, 2026
The University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies is accepting applications for the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program. The program connects small communities with University partners and technical resources to help advance locally identified transportation, infrastructure, economic-development, and community-planning projects. Learn More

Latest Minnesota LTAP News and Training Opportunities
Posted April 7, 2026
Minnesota LTAP has released its latest collection of training announcements, workshops, technical resources, research updates, and professional-development opportunities. The information is particularly useful for township officers and employees involved in roadway maintenance, transportation safety, and public works. Learn More

Filing Instructions and Application for MAT Board of Directors
Posted April 3, 2026
MAT has released filing instructions and application materials for township officers interested in seeking election to the MAT Board of Directors. The materials provide information about eligibility, filing requirements, applicable districts, and the process for becoming a candidate. Learn More

2025 LRIP Program Selection Results Announced
Posted March 30, 2026
MnDOT has announced the projects selected for funding through the 2025 Local Road Improvement Program. Township officials can review the LRIP program page for selection information, program guidance, funding resources, and updates regarding future solicitations. Learn More

Connecting One Minnesota Broadband Summit
Posted March 27, 2026

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will host the Connecting One Minnesota Broadband Summit to bring together local governments, internet providers, state and federal agencies, and community leaders to discuss expanding high-speed broadband across Minnesota. The event focuses on improving connectivity, sharing best practices, and advancing broadband access in rural communities.
Learn More

Filing Instructions & Application for MAT Board of Directors
Posted March 24, 2026
The Minnesota Association of Townships has released filing instructions and candidate application materials for township officers interested in serving on the MAT Board of Directors. The information outlines eligibility requirements, filing procedures, and important election deadlines for applicable districts. Learn More

2025 Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Project Awards Announced
Posted March 20, 2026
MnDOT has announced the projects selected for funding through the 2025 Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). Township officials can review the list of funded projects and learn more about future LRIP funding opportunities for local transportation improvements. Learn More

MnDOT Webinar: Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Countermeasures
Posted February 22, 2026
MnDOT's Local Road Traffic Safety Webinar Series continues with a session focused on improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users. The webinar highlights proven engineering strategies and roadway improvements that can reduce crashes and improve safety on local roads. Learn More

MnDOT Releases 2025 Local Bridge Replacement Program Annual Report
Posted February 12, 2026
MnDOT has published its 2025 Annual Report on the Local Bridge Replacement Program, summarizing bridge replacement projects completed across Minnesota and outlining investments that improve the safety and reliability of local transportation infrastructure. Learn More

Apply Now: 2027 Infrastructure Project Priority Lists & Intended Use Plans
Posted January 29, 2026
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority is accepting submissions for 2027 Project Priority Lists and Intended Use Plans, including projects eligible for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA) funding. Communities seeking future wastewater and drinking water funding should review the application process and deadlines. Learn More

2026 IRS Business Mileage Rate Announced
Posted December 30, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the 2026 standard business mileage reimbursement rate of 72.5 cents per mile. Township officials should use the updated rate when reimbursing employees and elected officials for approved business travel. Learn More

Amazon Business Prime Partnership for MAT Members
Originally Posted March 6, 2026 (Program Ended May 20, 2026)
The Minnesota Association of Townships announced a partnership with Amazon Business that provided participating townships with a complimentary Business Prime membership, government pricing, and purchasing tools. Although the partnership has since concluded, current participants will continue receiving benefits for up to one additional year. Learn More

Grants

Outdoor Heritage Fund The Council currently estimates approximately $150 million will be available for appropriation recommendations from the OHF in fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). Deadline is Friday, May 23, 2025 at 4:00pm. Read More

Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) This also applies to townships. Information from their April Newsletter (pdf). Steps for Debarment Check (pdf)

NTIA Launches Permitting and Environmental Mapping Tool Today the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched a new mapping tool, the NTIA Permitting and Environmental Information Application, to help grant recipients and others deploying infrastructure identify permit requirements and avoid potential environmental impacts when connecting a particular location to high-speed Internet service.  Read More

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Read More