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EXHIBIT B 2025 –2026 EQUITY-FOCUSED WATER EFFICIENCY GRANT PILOT PROGRAM GUIDELINES updated 02 / 12 / 2025 Overview The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) has allocated $400,000 of Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds to implement an equity-focused water efficiency grant pilot program effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. This pilot program, which incorporates equity as a requirement for funding, is based on the “traditional” Water Efficiency Grant Program offered by the Met Council since 2016. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to municipalities that are served by a municipal water supply system. Unlike the traditional Water Efficiency Grant Program, there is no requirement for municipalities to contribute a local match, and grant programs will operate at no cost to residents. Grant Program Goal The goal of the Equity-Focused Water Efficiency Grant Pilot Program is to support technical and behavioral changes in underserved and disproportionately burdened communities that improve municipal water use efficiency in the seven-county metropolitan area. Critical points to remember $400,000 is available for this competitive grant program The maximum award amount is $100,000 Applications are due March 28, 2025 Awards will be announced in May 2025 Funds must be spent down by June 30, 2026 (municipalities and Met Council will work together to monitor spending and adjust/reallocate funds as needed) The applying municipality must be served by a municipal public water supply system New construction and new developments are not eligible No local match requirement for municipalities No cost to resident Residents may be property owners or renters responsible for paying their water bill Municipalities must develop equity criteria to determine participation requirements for residents Funds are for grants only; consulting and city staff time are ineligible Toilet replacement must be with a US EPA WaterSense labeled toilet 1 Qbhf!241!pg!488