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State approves city well/wildlife protection plan; council to adopt and pursue implementation grants
Summary
The Minnesota Department of Health approved the city's protection plan on Sept. 24; council will formally adopt the plan at the next meeting and notify affected local government units within 60 days. Staff noted a $15,000 plan-implementation grant and a competitive match-funded grant as funding routes.
Duncan, who identified himself as a member of the city's environmental department, told the council that the Minnesota Department of Health approved the city's well/wildlife protection plan on Sept. 24.
Duncan said staff will present a formal adoption at the next council meeting, update the plan's cover page to reflect the MDH approval date, and then begin implementation and notification to affected local government units using a template MDH provided. The notice to LGUs must be sent within 60 days of the MDH approval and staff said the city is —well within— that timeline.
Duncan outlined two funding paths for implementation: a plan-implementation grant that this year opened a $15,000 award and a competitive grant that requires a local match and has a smaller pool of awards. If an applicant does not succeed in the current cycle, applications are placed on a back list for the spring round. Staff advised creating an MDH account and following MDH guidance and tutorial resources for the online application process.
Why this matters: MDH approval clears a regulatory step and opens grant funding for a 10-year implementation plan that guides water-protection actions in affected townships and units of government. The council will be asked to adopt the approved plan at its next meeting before staff begins formal implementation steps.
