MINBURN, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Glen Smith, Minburn Mayor Joe Stuelterberg, and state and local leaders to highlight progress on the $2 million federal investment Rep. Nunn secured to replace Minburn’s aging water infrastructure and improve drinking water reliability.
This project builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader work to address Iowa’s water challenges by investing in local infrastructure, protecting critical drinking-water sources, and giving Iowa farmers and communities more tools to improve water quality.
“Whether it’s replacing 70-year-old water lines in Minburn or protecting the rivers and reservoirs our families depend on, every Iowan should be able to trust the water coming out of their tap,” said Rep. Nunn. “We secured a $2 million federal investment to fix a problem Minburn families have dealt with for decades, and we’re taking that same commonsense approach across Iowa. That means bringing our tax dollars home while giving Iowans the resources and flexibility to lead the solutions. That’s why we secured real-time flood and drought monitoring for every county we serve and fought to protect Iowa’s water supply from Saylorville to Rathbun Lake.”
Minburn’s water system is more than 70 years old, with frequent line breaks leading to boil orders and limiting firefighters’ ability to respond to emergencies. In 2024, Rep. Nunn fought to secure a $2 million federal investment that is now being distributed to replace the aging water lines and provide a long-term solution to infrastructure challenges that have affected the community for decades.
“At USDA, we want to empower rural communities, create economic opportunities, and preserve our rural ways of life,” said Under Secretary Smith. “Today’s investment in the city of Minburn demonstrates the Administration’s clear vision to continue driving strategic infrastructure investments in Iowa and rural communities across the country. As a result, our nation becomes stronger and our people prosper.”
“Small, rural communities like Minburn often face many challenges, reliable and clean drinking water being one of them,” said Mayor Joe Stuetelberg, City of Minburn. “With the recognition and support of Congressman Nunn and our partnership with the USDA Rural Development office, we can proudly say that Minburn will have one less challenge to deal with for many years to come. For a small community, partnerships like these are what make critical projects possible. On behalf of the Minburn community, thank you to everyone involved in helping make this happen.”
“USDA Rural Development is on a mission to strengthen rural Iowa communities,” said Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton. “Through the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Rural Development is making vital investments in infrastructure to ensure folks have access to reliable water service.”
“Today, limitations in Minburn’s existing water system create challenges related to pressure and flow,” said Gary Brons, Vice President of Water, McClure Engineering. “While replacing and upsizing aging infrastructure may not be flashy, it’s essential to protecting public health and safety. By improving capacity and reliability, this project will deliver the dependable drinking water service Minburn residents need now and for generations to come.”
Today’s announcement builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to tackle Iowa’s water challenges:
- Protecting Iowa’s Water Sources: Rep. Nunn secured four Iowa priorities in the House-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2026, including a study of Saylorville Reservoir to help Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Water Works continue providing reliable drinking water. The bill also expedites a wetland restoration to reduce the sediment and phosphorus reaching Rathbun Lake, the only water source for the Rathbun Regional Water Association, which serves more than 80,000 people.
- Promoting Iowa-led Water Quality Solutions: Rep. Nunn secured an amendment in the House-passed PERMIT Act establishing a voluntary, state-led pilot program to accelerate water quality projects in watersheds facing high nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
- Enhancing Districtwide Water Monitoring: Rep. Nunn secured funding to complete a real-time flood and drought monitoring network across all 21 counties in Iowa’s Third District. The new hydrostations will track rainfall, soil moisture, and water levels, giving farmers, first responders, and local leaders better information to prepare for severe weather.
- Strengthening Watershed Resilience: Rep. Nunn secured provisions in the House-passed Farm Bill to increase federal cost-share assistance for watershed rehabilitation and allow damaged watershed infrastructure to be rebuilt stronger following natural disasters.
State and local leaders welcomed the investment for the City of Minburn and highlighted Rep. Nunn’s leadership in advancing clean water solutions for Iowa communities:
“Clean water is non-negotiable. Our Farm to Faucet approach in Iowa recognizes that we must invest both upstream in agricultural conservation practices to reduce runoff and downstream by modernizing aging water infrastructure,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “We are seeing record progress on conservation adoption across the Greater Des Moines Watershed, and we must match that momentum with investments in the drinking water systems that serve our communities. I appreciate Congressman Nunn’s leadership in helping make this impactful project in Minburn a reality, and I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver clean water for all Iowans.”
”Federal investment is a win for Iowans. The federal government is a key partner since safe, reliable drinking water protects public health and supports communities and businesses across the state,” said Tami Madsen, Executive Director, Central Iowa Water Works. “A sustained federal partnership helps Iowa address water quality challenges, replace aging infrastructure, and prepare for future growth”
“Infrastructure is the foundation for a strong economy. The USDA’s investment secured by Congressman Nunn in Minburn will improve water reliability, strengthen the community’s ability to support businesses and residents, and position the City to realize the growth coming their way,” said Rachel Wacker, Executive Director, Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. “Likewise, investments in water monitoring and resilience across Dallas County give our communities and their leaders the information necessary to plan for sustainable growth, protect resources, and remain competitive.”
“Clean, reliable water is fundamental to strong communities, and I’m grateful to Congressman Nunn for continuing to deliver results for Dallas County,” said Dallas County Supervisor Kim Chapman. “This investment in the City of Minburn will help strengthen critical infrastructure for families today while preparing the community for future growth. Just as importantly, I appreciate the focus on Iowa-led solutions that bring local, state, and federal partners together to improve water quality while respecting the needs of our farmers and rural communities. That kind of partnership is how we make lasting progress for Dallas County and all of Iowa.”
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