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Drainage Authority approves JPA with DNR to remove stone arch bridge; agrees to consider joining Wadena County ditch redetermination
Summary
The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority approved a resolution to enter a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota DNR to remove a stone arch bridge on County Ditch 15/28 and to pursue legacy amendment and conservation-easement grant funding; the authority also agreed in principle to consider joining Wadena County’s redetermination of benefits for County Ditch 2.
The Otter Tail County Drainage Authority on Nov. 4 approved a resolution to enter a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to support work on County Ditch 15 and 28.
Colby told the authority the DNR has been working with affected landowners and that the proposed project would remove a stone arch bridge, reslope side banks, reestablish grade and establish buffer areas. He said entering a JPA is required to pursue grant funding through legacy amendment programs and conservation easements; the formal JPA with the DNR will follow the board’s resolution of support.
Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve entering the JPA; Commissioner Mortensen seconded. Commissioners clarified the JPA is project-specific and will be dissolved after the work is complete; the motion passed by voice vote.
On a related item, Colby reported that Wadena County plans a redetermination of benefits for its County Ditch 2 and that about 38% of the benefited lands and roughly 25% of the watershed lie in Otter Tail County. He asked whether Otter Tail County would consider joining a joint ditch or judicial board; the authority agreed to consider joining and Colby said he will return with a drafted agreement.
Why it matters: entering a JPA with the DNR enables grant eligibility for a ditch repair project that includes removing an old bridge and regrading; joining Wadena County’s judicial/ditch process could affect landowners in Otter Tail County and county responsibilities.
What’s next: staff will present the formal JPA and, if Wadena’s draft agreement is provided, bring a joint-ditch agreement back to the authority for consideration.
