Community Impact Across Central Minnesota
Public safety and local government entities will soon receive over $2.2 million to improve their public service through Sourcewell’s Impact Funding.
The recipients include 31 counties, cities, and townships, and 20 fire departments, police departments, and sheriff’s offices throughout Sourcewell’s central MN service region.
“These projects represent an incredible impact on our region’s communities,” said Paul Drange, director of regional services at Sourcewell. “Given the financial realities our local governments are facing, every dollar of funding counts. Every year we see more and more requests for funding, and we’re eager to answer that call.”
Funding requests were reviewed by either the Local Government Advisory Council or the Public Safety Advisory Council, then awarded by lottery until funding was exhausted. The advisory councils, comprised of local government and public safety leaders respectively, ensure that community input and fairness is at the heart of Sourcewell’s funding process.
Impact Funding helps fulfill basic needs for local government and public safety entities such as upkeep, technology, safety equipment, and other project and administrative purchases. To be eligible, a project had to clearly demonstrate how it would have a direct impact on the applicant’s community.
Sourcewell’s Impact Funding is supported by revenue generated from its national cooperative purchasing program. Sourcewell provides public agencies throughout the United States and Canada with access to hundreds of competitively solicited contracts. Program service fees generated through Sourcewell contracts are reinvested in central Minnesota communities via projects like Impact Funding.
List of projects funded:
Public Safety funding
Crosby Fire Department
Motorola APX N30 radios (20)
Communication is paramount for all emergency responses. Knowing the location and type of emergency you are responding to, knowing what resources and personnel are needed at the scene, and communicating amongst fire, law enforcement, EMS and the public will ALL be key to working safely and effectively in any emergency.
Federal Dam Volunteer Fire Department
Side-by-side utility vehicle
The purchase of a side-by-side utility vehicle will allow our all-volunteer department to respond more effectively to emergencies in remote or hard-to-reach areas. The SxS will greatly enhance both fire and medical response capabilities across our rural community.
Fifty Lakes Fire and Rescue Department
Structural fire protective gear, and portable storage racks
This gear will allow members to perform their tasks on scene with better movement and better protection from carcinogens and heat exhaustion, leading to quicker and more efficient lifesaving efforts to serve the Fifty Lakes area.
Hackensack Area Fire and Rescue Department
Fire hall siding, soffit, and insulation
Hackensack Area Fire & Rescue will be able to upgrade its building energy efficiency and decrease operational costs, to help with this Community-Member Energy Saving Project.
Grey Eagle Fire Department
Turnout gear
Our fire department will replace outdated turnout gear with new compliant equipment to enhance firefighter safety and operational readiness. This critical upgrade will ensure our team is properly protected during emergency responses. The new gear will help us continue to serve our community safely, effectively, and in compliance with standards.
Pierz Police Department
Patrol unit
Our project will establish a new Patrol Unit dedicated to enhancing community safety through rapid response, increased visibility, and proactive engagement. This unit will focus on reducing crime, building trust with residents, and supporting local initiatives through a presence that is both strategic and community oriented. The patrol unit will allow Pierz Police Department to utilize advanced tools and training to deliver high-impact, responsive policing.
Pillager Area Fire Protection Association
Extrication tools - spreader, cutter, ram
Pillager Area Fire Protection Association will upgrade to modern vehicle extrication tools to enhance our emergency response capabilities. These new tools will allow our firefighters to perform faster, safer, and more effective rescues during vehicle accidents, when every second counts. This investment will directly improve public safety for our community and surrounding areas we serve.
Eagle Bend Fire Department
Motorola APX N50 portable radios (11)
Eagle Bend Fire Department will update technology and equipment, which are critical needs in protecting the health and safety of our community. Support from this funding will help to purchase portable radios, replacing our outdated supply that are rapidly nearing the end of their life cycle. This project will represent a key step towards updating the necessary emergency equipment of the Eagle Bend Fire Department.
Todd County Sheriff’s Office
Motorola APX N50 portable radios (10)
Todd County Sheriff's Office will update technology and equipment, which are critical needs in protecting the health and safety of our community. Support from this funding will help to purchase portable (hand held) radios, replacing our outdated supply that are rapidly nearing the end of their life cycle. This project will represent a key step towards updating the necessary emergency equipment of the Todd County Sheriff's Office.
Sebeka Police Department
Squad replacement
Sebeka Police Department will replace an aging squad vehicle, saving the city expenses due to frequent repairs and downtime and improving the department’s ability to respond to calls, conduct patrols, and maintain a visible presence in the community. This investment will directly support our mission to provide safe, timely, and professional policing services to the community.
Ironton Fire Department
SCBAs
This project will help us update some personal protective equipment that is in need of replacement. This will ensure proper community service for years to come. Thanks to Sourcewell for being a great partner in helping us serve our community!
Hewitt Volunteer Fire Department
Extrication tools - cutter and spreader
The Hewitt Fire Department will replace aging extrication tools with modern, battery-powered equipment to improve emergency response. This upgrade will reduce rescue times and enhance firefighter safety during life-threatening incidents. The project ensures faster, more reliable service for the entire Hewitt community.
Crooked Lake Fire Department
Turnout gear
The Impact Funds awarded to Crooked Lake Fire Department will provide Personal Protective Equipment for fire personnel, allowing them to operate safely while assisting the public during hazardous situations.
Menahga Fire Department
Fill station, CO2 Monitor, Compressor, and 6000 PSI Bottles
The Menahga Fire Department will upgrade its outdated air compressor with a modern 6,000 PSI system to meet the demands of today’s firefighting equipment. This improvement will allow firefighters to refill their breathing air bottles quickly and safely, reducing downtime during emergencies. The project strengthens our ability to protect lives, property, and the overall safety of the Menahga community.
Menahga Police Department
Squad replacement
The Menahga Police Department will purchase a new patrol squad car to replace an aging vehicle in our fleet. This investment will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and ensure consistent police presence throughout the community. The new squad car will be equipped with modern technology, helping us better serve and protect our residents.
Motley Volunteer Fire Department
Tender truck
The Moley Fire Department will replace its aging and unreliable tanker truck, a critical asset for firefighting in areas without hydrants. The newer tanker will greatly enhance the department’s ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources across the community. This upgrade will ensure faster, safer, and more effective emergency response for all residents.
Pine River Fire Department
Ranger Crew XP 1000
The Pine River Fire Department will purchase a new Side x Side (UTV) equipped with a wildland/medical skid unit, replacing its aging 2001 ATV. This upgraded vehicle will double responder capacity and enhance the department’s effectiveness in wildland firefighting and remote rescues, featuring water suppression capabilities.
Swanville Rural Fire Association
Structural turnout gear, hoods, gloves, and boots
New turnout gear will keep new and veteran members of the Swanville Fire Department safe during fire and rescue scenes. The coats, bibs, hoods, gloves and boots will be a safety upgrade and help with fatigue during scenes. The new gear will ensure that our department is equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies when called upon.
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Mud boat, washer and dryer units
With support from Sourcewell, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office will replace aged laundry equipment in the Cass County Detention Center with modern, energy-efficient UniMac units. These upgrades will ensure continued safety and efficiency in vital public safety facility operations across the country.
Walker Area Joint Fire Department
Hoses and nozzles
With support from the Sourcewell Impact Fund, the Walker Area Fire Department will replace its outdated, 30-year-old fire hoses with modern, NFPA-compliant equipment. This upgrade will prioritize firefighter safety, ensuring crews have reliable tools when responding to emergencies.
Local Government funding
City of Pillager
Cemetary Information Management System
A Cemetery Information Management System (CIMS) is software that helps manage cemetery operations. It tracks burial plots, maintains deceased records, handles bookings and payments, and stores important documents. The purchase of this system will improve accuracy, save time, and allow easy search and reporting.
City of Walker
Towable Crack Sealer
Investing in a towable crack sealer will be a strategic and proactive approach to road maintenance. This equipment will enable the City of Walker to implement a regular, cost-effective crack sealing program that improves road conditions, extends pavement life, and reduces long-term maintenance costs. Grant funding will allow the city to acquire this vital tool and enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its public works operations.
City of Hewitt
Two Stationary Generators
Located in Region 5, Hewitt is one of many small cities leveraging Sourcewell's cooperative model to stretch limited budgets and improve infrastructure. The new generators will strengthen Hewitt's emergency response capabilities and safeguard vital municipal operations, ensuring the city remains prepared for any disruption.
Morrison County
Emergency Duress System
Morrison County will upgrade its duress alert system to improve emergency response across public-facing facilities. The new technology will enhance staff confidence and ensure faster, more reliable alerts during critical incidents. This investment reflects the County’s commitment to creating safe, secure environments for employees and community members.
Township of Sylvan
Township Hall Upgrades
Obtaining Sourcewell Impact Funding will enable Sylvan Township to complete important Town Hall upgrades, prioritizing community and staff safety. The project includes new concrete flooring and aprons for maintenance sheds to protect road equipment from damage, along with automatic garage door openers for safer staff operations. A new ADA-compliant sidewalk will also ensure equitable and secure access for all residents during important civic events like voting on election day.
Township of Parker, Morrison County
Town Hall Building Addition
Parker Township will expand its current building for new, more accessible office and storage space. With this addition, the existing building will be able to be utilized for shop and equipment storage.
Township of Ponto Lake
Township Cemetery Improvements
Ponto Lake Township will improve and modernize its township-owned cemetery, ensuring compliance with Minnesota State Statute #306. The project will include upgrading records to a digital system, replacing deteriorated fencing and entrances, improving burial access, and establishing clear policies for cremation and natural burials. These improvements will enhance safety, preserve community history, and provide families with better access to accurate and transparent cemetery information.
Township of Powers
Township Truck
Powers Township will purchase a one-and a half-ton pickup to better serve the local community.
City of Jenkins
Public Works Equipment and Upgrades
Sourcewell's Community Impact Funding will empower the City of Jenkins to invest in critical safety and energy-efficiency improvements identified in key areas of the City's public spaces, facilities, and equipment. This funding provides the dedicated Public Works personnel of Jenkins with a safe, functional facility and the proper, reliable equipment they need to respond effectively to maintenance and emergencies, enhancing public safety and accessibility. By drastically lowering energy use, reducing costly equipment rentals/repairs, and investing in safety of our public spaces and personnel, this funding will not only have a significant impact on the City's long-term general operating expenses, but will also have a major impact on the safety and enjoyment of all who live, work, play, or pass through the "Gateway to the Whitefish Chain."
City of Osakis
Water Meter Equipment
This funding will allow us to obtain the parts needed to upgrade water meters within our community to allow for accurate monthly water usage readings, and create a more reliable service to our residents.
Township of Wilson, Cass County
Snowplow Truck
Our community will benefit from an enhanced snow removal fleet with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art snow plow truck. This investment will ensure quicker and more efficient snow clearance, ultimately improving the safety and accessibility of our roads during winter weather. Residents can look forward to a higher level of service and increased peace of mind in the upcoming winter season.
Township of Crooked Lake
Plow Attachment for Road Grater
We will purchase a new snow plow and mulching head. This new equipment will help Crooked Lake Township keep our roads clear of ice and compacted snow making the roads safer during the winter months. The mulching head will allow the skidloader to be used to clear brush and small trees and mulch the debris into the ground effectively and safely.
Garrison Kathio West Mille Lacs Lake Sanitary Sewer District
Geographic Information System
The ability to purchase a Geographic Information System will be a step forward in managing the Sanitary District. It will make the District virtually paperless, provide up-to-date information, and make sure all billings are correct to help keep costs down for customers. This tool will help all staff see the same information in real time, allowing much more efficient management of the District.
City of Backus
City Standby Generator
The City of Backus will install a standby generator to ensure continuous power for essential municipal operations during outages. This project will keep public safety services, water systems, and emergency coordination fully operational when residents need them most. By investing in reliable backup power, Backus is strengthening community resilience and protecting public health and safety.
City of Crosslake
Community Park Cold Storage
The City of Crosslake is excited to announce plans for a new cold storage building at the Community Park. This facility will provide secure, weather-protected space for equipment and supplies, allowing the Parks and Recreation Department to better support programs, events, and year-round park operations. By improving efficiency and extending the life of valuable assets, the project will enhance recreational opportunities and community services for residents and visitors alike.
City of Emily
City replacement needs - security, public works, office
The City of Emily will purchase city maintenance equipment, upgrade of exterior building City Hall lights and parking lot lights for enhanced workplace safety, and upgraded workstations. This funding will support our commitment to creating safer, more productive workspaces for employees and the community.
City of Garrison
City Facility Updates
The City of Garrison will improve its meeting room for a more professional atmosphere. The changes will improve the way the meeting shows audience and Council receive information.
City of Grey Eagle
City Grounds Equipment & Shop Improvements
The City of Grey Eagle will enhance its maintenance operations with the purchase of a zero-turn John Deere mower and the insulation of its maintenance shop. These upgrades will improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and support year-round operations. The project reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining public spaces and investing in essential infrastructure.
City of Hackensack
Security system and cellular power loss monitors
The City of Hackensack will enhance public safety and infrastructure reliability by installing new security camera systems at City Hall, the Community Building, and the Chamber Building, along with a controlled door access system at the Community Center. In addition, cellular power loss monitors will be added to lift stations and grinder pumps to ensure rapid response during outages. These improvements will strengthen community safety, protect critical infrastructure, and support the City’s ability to deliver essential services.
City of Lake Shore
Update Public Works and Wastewater Equipment
The City of Lake Shore will update their public works and wastewater equipment. This will help the City be able to work more efficiently and will save time and money long-term.
City of Menahga
Reroof City Hall
The City of Menahga will replace the aging roof on City Hall to ensure the safety, integrity, and efficiency of this vital government facility. This project will safeguard essential public services, records, and community spaces while reducing future maintenance costs. The improvements will help preserve City Hall as a safe and welcoming place for residents to engage with their local government.
City of Pequot Lakes
Renovation of Municipal Facility
The City of Pequot Lakes will renovate and modernize its Administration Office, the central hub for day-to-day municipal operations and public services. The project includes structural upgrades, new technology to improve delivery service, and the addition of a second emergency exit to enhance safety and building functionality.
City of Pierz
Public Works Truck Replacement
The City of Pierz will purchase a new Public Works truck to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability in delivering essential city services. The new vehicle will support critical operations such as road maintenance, snow removal, and infrastructure repairs. This investment will ensure the City can continue providing high-quality services to residents while reducing costs and downtime.
City of Pine River
City Improvements and Updates
The City of Pine River will use the Impact Funding award for City Hall Improvements to include interior paint, interior flooring, and new presentation technologies for the council chambers.
City of Upsala
Water Tower Mixer, Recreation Center Scrubber, and Snow Pusher for Skid Steer
The City of Upsala has been awarded Impact funds from Sourcewell to help improve water quality, address recreation center needs and upgrade snow removal equipment.
City of Verndale
Warning siren and generator
The City of Verndale will use the funding to purchase and install a new tornado siren and generator backup at the firehall. The siren will replace the existing outdated siren that has been unreliable the last couple of years. The generator will be used to power the siren and the fire hall in power outages. This will allow the fire hall to be used as an emergency management site.
Township of Irondale
Front End Loader with Broom Attachment
The purchase of this loader and broom attachment will greatly benefit the safety of our residents.
Township of Granite
Town Hall Accessibility & Upgrades
After losing the township town hall to arson, updates are urgently needed to facilitate private voting for all citizens. The proposed project includes creating accessible parking, converting a storage room into a restroom, adding shelving for road signs, providing furniture for individuals with disabilities, our township board and audience, installing a threshold ramp for easy access, and implementing a message center sign. These updates will aim to improve accessibility and safety while enhancing community engagement.
City of Burtrum
City Snow Plow Truck
This investment will ensure our small community can stay safe and moving forward all winter. We are truly grateful for the support that makes such a big difference in our rural city.
City of Sobieski
Grader
We will take on an upgrade project on our Grader (maintainer). The Staff at Sourcewell are very helpful and willing to go that extra mile to help smaller Cities like ours. Thanks for being the Mentor you are.
Township of Culdrum
Medium-Sized Utility Tractor
With this investment, Culdrum Township will increase our capacity to maintain safe, accessible roads. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible, forward-thinking strategy to strengthen infrastructure, improve response times, and provide cost-effective, reliable service throughout the community.