Minnesota receives thousands to improve water quality

In an effort to improve water quality in the state, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency $727,600 (£448,900) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

A total of $39 million (£24 million) will be awarded nationally to states through Water Quality Management Planning grants in a scheme which aims to save jobs and help prevent water pollution, thereby helping to protect human health and the environment.

EPA administrator Lisa P Jackson said that the Recovery Act investments are meeting an urgent need for economic growth because communities across the country count on green jobs to help pull them out of the financial downturn.

"Recovery Act funding for water quality management planning will help the state's efforts to set goals for restoring and protecting watersheds," added acting regional dministrator Bharat Mathur.

The EPA has led the US nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts since 1970.

Written by Claire Manning