December 28, 2018
St. Paul, Minn.—The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) approved $13.7 million in Clean Water Fund grants on Dec. 19 to improve water quality in streams, lakes, and groundwater across the state. The majority of the grant funding—$11.7 million—is allocated for voluntary conservation projects across Minnesota. In addition, $1.4 million will support accelerated implementation for high-priority projects, and $610,000 will fund multipurpose drainage management.
“All Minnesotans deserve water that is safe for drinking, swimming, and fishing,” said Governor Dayton. “These 52 grants will improve water quality throughout our state, and help provide more Minnesotans the clean water they expect and deserve.”
The $13.7 million will fund 52 separate grants, 36 of which are dedicated to specific projects and practices. For example, a grant awarded to the Martin Soil and Water Conservation District will support their efforts to improve drinking water in the Fairmont area by implementing agriculture best management practices near the Fairmont Chain of Lakes. Upon project completion, sediment in the chain of lakes is estimated to be reduced by 130 tons each year.
About the Minnesota Clean Water Fund: Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Clean Water Fund receives 33 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.
Click below to learn more about the 52 grant recipients:
- Projects and Practices (36 grants)
- Accelerated Implementation (12 grants)
- Multipurpose Drainage Management (4 grants)