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County reallocates AIS inspection coverage to add Lake City launches within same budget
Summary
Goodhue County approved a plan to reallocate annual aquatic invasive species pass‑through dollars to staff inspections at four boat launches (adding Coville and Hokula Park in Lake City) while keeping the same total hours and budget; staff said 2026 funding is about $63,000 and next year is expected to be cut in half.
County staff presented changes to the aquatic invasive species (AIS) program on March 3 and the board approved a staffing plan and contract. The program receives state pass‑through dollars; staff recommended splitting funds into public awareness and launch inspection buckets and reallocating inspector hours so peak coverage is available across additional launches.
Staff said the contractor Waterfront Restoration agreed to staff peak periods (Friday nights and weekends) and that the total hours remain within the same budget; the change spreads inspector coverage from two launches (Bilsby and Baypoint) to include Coville and Hokula Park in Lake City. Staff explained the 2026 pass‑through amount is about $63,000 and that the state has signaled a 50% reduction in funding for the following year; county fund balance could be used to sustain service if the board opts to do so.
Commissioners approved the contract and plan by voice vote. Staff will administer the program, manage the communications campaign, and schedule inspectors for peak times as detailed in the contract with Waterfront Restoration.
