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County staff propose $50,000 LGU cost‑share program to help townships and cities fund stormwater projects
Summary
Staff outlined a new Local Government Unit cost‑share program with a $50,000 pilot budget, an October 1 application deadline, and eligibility requirements that projects must provide improvements beyond current standards and include as‑built and O&M plans.
County staff described a proposed Local Government Unit (LGU) cost‑share program intended to help townships and cities finance stormwater and erosion control improvements that fall outside the regular cost‑share eligibility.
Ryan told the committee the program has a budgeted amount of $50,000 for the first year and would accept applications on an October 1 annual deadline to allow local governments to plan for the following year. He said projects must "go above and beyond" current standards — improvements rather than routine maintenance — and applicants must supply cost estimates, environmental benefit calculations (e.g., phosphorus or sediment reductions), and as‑built and operation & maintenance plans upon completion. Ryan also said that program payment levels could vary depending on applications and that staff expect percentages awarded to vary (he estimated a 50% cost‑share as a plausible high‑end scenario depending on demand).
Ryan gave examples of projects that could be appropriate, citing prior work with the City of Savage and City of Shakopee (stormwater pond and SAFL baffle installations) and noting earlier engagement with Helena and Sand Creek townships. He said staff plan to rank and batch applications by environmental benefit and cost‑benefit and emphasized that LGU applicants should first check other grant opportunities; the LGU program is intended as a fallback when other funding is not available.
Staff asked for committee input on program rules and suggested adding language to the contract requiring appropriate credentialing for as‑built certifications (for example, a professional engineer for certain installations). If projects cost more than $50,000 per year, staff said Vanessa could approve projects up to that amount without a separate board action.
