The McLeod County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city of Lester Prairie to implement a stormwater resiliency project that upsizes a culvert for an unnamed Otter Creek tributary under County State Highway 9 in Lester Prairie.

Public Works staff said the city will lead design, modeling, permitting and construction administration. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) awarded a stormwater resiliency implementation grant that will cover 90% of engineering, permitting and construction costs; the remaining 10% will be split 50/50 between the city and county. Staff estimated the total project cost at about $587,000, with the county's share of the local match approximately $29,000.

The county will own and maintain the new culvert after construction. Public Works noted the project remains subject to Department of Natural Resources permitting and that modeling is being performed to mitigate upstream and downstream impacts; staff said the project approval is conditional on required permits. Commissioner Schmalz moved approval; Commissioner Krueger seconded, and the board approved the MOU by voice vote.