Northern Minnesota Indian reservations get water aid

Northern Minnesota Indian reservations will share in $90 million of federal economic surplus money to improve their drinking water and sewage services.

Upper Midwest reservations will get $1.6 million to improve sewer systems. They include $460,730 for work on the White Earth reservation, $229,170 for Fond Du Lac and $125,000 for Mille Lacs.

Slightly more money will be allocated to improving drinking water systems, including $920,800 for Bois Forte and $180,200 for Leech Lake.

"This investment is win-win," Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "Addressing long-standing water issues in tribal communities is also going to bring in new jobs and new opportunities -- helping them get through the economic downturn and build a lasting foundation for prosperity."

To be eligible, the water projects needed to be ready for immediate construction.