State grants for water quality projects announced by Board of Water and Soil Resources

Grant dollars provided by the Clean Water Fund (from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment)

St. Paul - The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is seeking grant applications from local government units for projects that will protect and restore Minnesota’s streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater. Eligible local government units include cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, and metropolitan watershed management organizations. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15, 2010.

BWSR has $12 million available for these projects. Funding for the competitive grants is provided by the Clean Water Fund (from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment). Most of the funded projects also will leverage local or federal dollars.  

“Local conservation professionals throughout the state have experience in identifying areas that are contributing to water quality issues and implementing solutions," said John Jaschke, BWSR Executive Director. "Minnesotans who are interested in learning more about how they can help protect and restore water quality should contact a local conservation agency in their area."

Jaschke added that BWSR reviews and approves water management plans for the local government units that are eligible for these grants. In order to receive funding, projects must implement priority activities that are identified in a state approved and locally adopted local water management plan.  

The grant applications will be reviewed and ranked by an interagency team that includes BWSR, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Many of the projects will establish conservation practices to control stormwater runoff in urban and agricultural areas. Others will improve water quality by replacing problem septic systems, upgrading feedlots and by establishing native vegetation along shorelines in environmentally sensitive areas.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources consists of 20 members, including local government representatives, state agencies, the University of Minnesota, and citizens. Board members are appointed by the governor to four-year terms. The board is the state's administrative agency for soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, metropolitan watershed management organizations, and county water managers.

The BWSR mission: Improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.