The Utility Infrastructure Study Grant will fund a comprehensive study examining the market and workforce factors that contribute to inaccurate utility-locating marks.
The study should be informed by publicly available information, industry data, and stakeholder interviews. The final report, including recommendations to improve the quality of the locates, is due to the Legislature by June 1, 2027.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are entities that are not for-profit.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this grant opportunity. Applicants must:
- Be an entity that is not a for profit and authorized to do business in the state of Minnesota.
- Demonstrate capacity and experience to conduct a study with the scope and priorities detailed in this Request for Proposals (RFP).
- Demonstrate familiarity with the 811 utilities infrastructure ecosystem in Minnesota.
Amount available
We plan to award one grant of up to $50,000 using a competitive review process.
We will only reimburse eligible expenses that are incurred after the grant contract is fully signed and has reached its start date.
Applying
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- Carefully read the Utility Infrastructure Study RFP (PDF) for program eligibility requirements, priorities, and scoring criteria.
- Apply for the Utility Infrastructure Study Grant using our online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you’re logged in, select “Utility Infrastructure Study Grant.”
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
Program background
This competitive grant program is authorized under Minn. Stat. 17.1017 and funded through Laws of Minnesota, 2025, Regular Session, Chapter 34, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 4(k).
