New Brighton sewer repair grant closes after 2026 funds run out
New Brighton says its 2026 sewer repair grant is closed after heavy demand, and homeowners who missed the window should watch for 2027 updates.
New Brighton says its 2026 private-property inflow and infiltration grant is closed after a high volume of applications exhausted the $52,000 the city received from the Metropolitan Council. The city says residents who missed the window should watch for updates on the 2027 application cycle.
The grant is designed to keep clear water out of the wastewater system. Inflow and infiltration is stormwater or groundwater that gets into sewer pipes, often through cracks or deterioration, and can add stress to the system and contribute to backups or overflows.
Who could apply
New Brighton says the 2026 program was limited to owner-occupied single-family, duplex, or triplex homes with visible evidence of inflow or infiltration. Applications were handled on a first-come, first-served basis until the money ran out.
Eligible work included private sewer service lateral repair, replacement, or lining. Sewer lateral inspection and cleaning costs could also qualify when televising and cleaning led to repair or replacement. The city also required a pre-inspection video showing clear evidence of inflow and infiltration.
Why the closure matters for homeowners
The city’s sanitary sewer guidance says the homeowner owns the sewer service line from the city main to the house. That means repairs on the line between the street and the home are generally the property owner’s responsibility, not the city’s.
That matters because sewer-lateral repairs can be expensive. New Brighton also says most sewer backups are preventable, and the city’s guidance recommends that residents consider sewer backup coverage in their own insurance.
Under the Metropolitan Council program, grants can cover 50% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 for most private property owners. The grant does not cover the full bill, so homeowners would still need to pay the remaining share if they qualify in a future round.
For now, the practical takeaway is simple: the 2026 window is closed. If you were planning to apply, that opportunity has passed, and New Brighton is telling residents to watch for the next update on the 2027 application cycle.
Sources
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