Minnesota funding push continues; counties and watershed coordinate project timelines

Mayor Carlson and county representatives updated the committee on Minnesota funding efforts for the diversion‑related projects. Carlson said a $60.4 million Minnesota request has been taken to St. Paul multiple times; the Senate bill exists but the house bill number was not available at the meeting. Carlson said the governor’s initial budget included $5 million for the state, and that budget forecasts make securing the full request uncertain.

Officials said representatives and coalition partners have met several times with Minnesota legislators, including Senator Koepcke, Representative Joy and Representative Keilar, and with the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Coalition for Greater Minnesota Cities to press the case. County commissioners Mojo and Krabenhoft have also been active in St. Paul, according to the county update.

Clay County leaders described local coordination with the watershed and county engineers. County staff and watershed engineers are reviewing schedules for local projects to avoid stacking multiple major construction detours in the same year; the Wolverton project, for example, was delayed past plans to bid this spring and watershed staff indicated the delay is acceptable to avoid conflicts. County staff asked the diversion authority to coordinate with Comstock (a contractor/landowner referenced in the discussion) ahead of the legislative session to finalize timelines.

Ending: Officials said they will continue lobbying in St. Paul and coordinate schedules among county, watershed and diversion staff to align projects with potential Minnesota funding and minimize construction impacts on landowners and travel routes.