BOYD -- The Lac qui Parle County community of Boyd is moving forward with projects to improve its infrastructure this spring and summer.
This May, work will resume on a major upgrade to the city's municipal water distribution system, according to Mayor Vernon Lein.
The city will begin work on replacing water lines serving residences and businesses on 14 blocks in the community.
Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program is helping make the work possible. It is providing the city with a $6,000 grant and $54,000 in low-interest loan funds toward the project, U.S. Senator Mark Dayton's office announced this week.
Mayor Lein said the project continues work begun last November.
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The city ended its reliance on its own well by hooking up to the Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System.
The city now receives treated, high-quality water that represents a significant improvement over its former domestic well source, according to Lein.
He said the 14-block water line project represents roughly about one-half of the community.
The new lines will replace older, cast iron pipes.
Water lines serving residences in the other half of town were replaced in 1981 when the community erected its existing water tower.
Along with the water project, the city will see a new look to its Main Street by year's end. Lac qui Parle County will replace the city's Main Street as part of a project to upgrade the county road. New pavement along with new curb, gutter, sidewalk and street lights will be added.
The city also will be launching a housing and commercial rehabilitation project this year. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $795,376 grant to the communities of Madison and Boyd in March.
The funds will allow for the rehabilitation of 39 owner-occupied residences and commercial spaces in the two communities.
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Boyd has 210 residents living in 100 households, according to the 2000 Census.
