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Koochiching County accepts $141,032 two-year water and soil grant, authorizes SWCD contract
Summary
Environmental Services director recommended, and the board approved, a two-year State Water and Soil Resources grant package totaling $141,032 to fund shoreland, local water management, wetland conservation and MPCA septic programs; the county also authorized a contract with SWCD to assist program implementation.
Koochiching County's environmental services staff presented a combined two-year grant package totaling $141,032 to support shoreland protection, local water management, wetland conservation and septic system projects. The board voted to accept the grant and to contract with the local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) to help administer program work.
Environmental Services Director Matt told commissioners the County is packaging multiple funding streams into a two-year agreement to improve administrative efficiency and program delivery. He said the award covers several program lines, including DNR Shoreland (listed as $2,722 per year), local water management ($15,025 per year), Wetland Conservation Act programming ($28,913 per year) and MPCA septic treatment/upgrade grant funds (figures discussed include about $26,512 for one of the MPCA items). Matt recommended the board move forward and approve the agreement and associated SWCD contract.
Why it matters: the grant funds targeted water protection, wetland conservation and septic system upgrades — programs that affect water quality and public health across rural parts of the county.
Board action and next steps: commissioners voted to accept the grant agreement and to authorize a contract with SWCD to assist with delivering the programs for the grant term. Matt said some septic-specific SSTS grants operate on an annual basis and staff will return next year with related items for continued funding as appropriate.
Direct quote: "I would recommend moving forward with the grant agreement," said Matt during his presentation.
The board recorded the motion and vote as carried unanimously. Staff will finalize the grant paperwork and the SWCD contract and return any required reports to the board as program work proceeds.
