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Clay County approves use of MPCA settlement funds for Morehead projects up to $120,000
Summary
The board approved a committee recommendation to spend up to $120,000 of MPCA settlement funds (remaining balance of $129,540) on five Morehead projects — tree planting, river corridor amenities and pollinator plantings, trail lighting, and school-area crosswalk painting — with the City of Morehead covering the gap and taking on ongoing maintenance.
Patrick Hollister presented the committee recommendation for spending $129,540 received from the MPCA as the Clay County share of the Anheuser‑Busch settlement. He explained the statute authorizing the funds requires a public process and reporting by 06/03/2026 and that the committee recommended five projects for Morehead totaling roughly $120,000 with the City of Morehead identified to cover remaining costs.
Committee options and estimated costs presented to the board included: Arbor Day tree planting (estimated $14,574), river corridor amenities ($11,215), pollinator plantings at four sites ($17,600), Bluestem Bridge trail lighting ($25,600) and crosswalk painting around Morehead Area Public Schools (estimate listed at $80,100 with a smaller county‑funded portion noted by staff). Hollister said the committee recommended proceeding with all five options and that city staff prepared the detailed cost estimates. "We have until 06/03/2026 to do all of the above," Hollister said, noting the MPCA interprets the statute ambiguously and the committee is trying to have projects as complete as possible before the deadline.
Commissioners questioned tree‑planting unit costs, maintenance obligations, timeline feasibility and whether local groups (for example Riverkeepers) had been consulted; city staff said Riverkeepers had been contacted and that the city will assume ongoing maintenance costs for the selected projects. One commissioner noted the county’s role should be limited to the amounts and that moving funds between buckets would come back to the board.
A motion to proceed with the five options as presented, with dollar amounts and a total not to exceed $120,000, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they will coordinate purchasing and bid timelines to meet the June statutory deadline and return to the board if needed.
