Community Impact Grant

This program, funded by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (MBWSR), aims to support multipurpose drainage management practices. Its core mission is to mitigate erosion and sedimentation, reduce peak flows and flooding, enhance water quality, and improve drainage system efficiency while decreasing maintenance needs, specifically for priority Chapter 103E drainage systems. The program aligns with the foundation's strategic priority of promoting sustainable water resource management and protecting natural ecosystems within Minnesota. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Chapter 103E drainage authorities, including County, Joint County Boards, and Watershed Districts, as well as Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Local governments, such as counties, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and SWCDs or local government joint power boards, are also eligible if they operate under a current State-approved local water management plan, comprehensive watershed management plan, or SWCD comprehensive plan. Municipalities with approved water plans or adopted comprehensive watershed management plans, and counties in the seven-county metropolitan area with adopted county groundwater plans or comprehensive plans approved by the Metropolitan Council, are also targeted. The program encourages partnerships between these entities to maximize impact. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around implementing practices that directly address drainage management challenges. This includes projects designed to reduce erosion and sedimentation, which are crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing soil loss. A significant focus is also placed on reducing peak flows and flooding, contributing to community safety and infrastructure protection. Furthermore, improving overall water quality and protecting the efficiency of existing drainage systems are key objectives, alongside reducing long-term maintenance requirements for these systems. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in erosion and sedimentation rates within priority drainage systems. The program anticipates a reduction in the frequency and severity of peak flow events and associated flooding. Improvements in water quality, likely measured through various water quality indicators, are also a central expected outcome. Furthermore, the initiative aims to enhance the overall efficiency of drainage systems and achieve a reduction in the necessary maintenance efforts, leading to long-term cost savings and improved system longevity. Applicants are expected to be in compliance with BWSR requirements for grantee website and eLINK reporting before grant execution and payment.