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Clay County approves committee recommendations to spend MPCA settlement funds on Morehead projects
Summary
The board approved using up to $120,000 from an MPCA allocation (portion of a $129,540 settlement from Anheuser‑Busch) for five Morehead projects including tree planting, river corridor amenities, pollinator plantings, trail lighting and crosswalk painting; staff and city partners said the full award must be reported and spent under a one‑year statute by June 3, 2026.
The Clay County Board approved committee recommendations for spending MPCA settlement dollars stemming from a pollution settlement related to the Anheuser‑Busch/Budweiser plant.
Patrick Hollister explained the Partnership for Health Community Health Board received $129,540 and committee members developed five options aimed at Morehead that together total roughly $120,000: Arbor Day tree plantings (estimated $14,574), river corridor amenities ($11,215), pollinator plantings ($17,600), Bluestem Bridal Trail lighting ($25,600) and crosswalk painting around Moorhead Area Public Schools (allowance noted; $80,100 line item in materials but committee budgeting applied $51,000 of the MPCA funds). Hollister said the city of Moorhead identified additional funding to cover the gap between listed estimates and the committee’s $120,000 working figure.
Hollister told commissioners the group must complete four tasks within one year of receiving the check: conduct public input, decide how to use the money, use it and submit a report to the state legislature. "We have until 06/03/2026 to do all of the above," he said. Hollister added the MPCA statute and agency guidance were ambiguous about whether a purchase order would suffice or whether projects must be fully completed by the deadline; staff decided to err on the side of completing work by the deadline.
Commissioners questioned cost estimates (noting the city forester prepared conservative numbers for tree plantings and that local Soil and Water Conservation District pricing might be lower) and asked who would carry ongoing maintenance costs; city staff said the city of Moorhead would assume maintenance after installation. The board asked whether leftover funds or swaps between project line items would require return to the board; staff said moving money between buckets should come back to the board if it changes the committee’s intent, but if the trees are procured cheaper and more trees are obtained within the same amount, it likely would not require board action.
Commissioner Campbell moved to approve the five options with amounts attached and not to exceed a total of $120,000; Commissioner Ebinger seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote.
Staff and committee members thanked Morehead city staff for preparing the project materials and for public outreach that informed the committee recommendations. Staff said if a funding shortfall or overspend arises they would return to the board promptly.
