Funding

This page provides information on funding sources and funding opportunities for stormwater projects and provides a list of funded projects.

Funding sources

• State of Minnesota Watershed Project Funding: Funding opportunities for watershed projects around the state are available through federal and state funds. These funds are awarded through either competitive watershed grants (such as Federal Section 319 and State Clean Water Partnership) or non-competitive (for Clean Water Fund dollars) processes. For information about other water-related funding opportunities at the MPCA, please visit Financial Assistance Grants and Loans.

• The Clean Water Revolving Fund, also known as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund or simply SRF, is established under the Federal Clean Water Act and state law to make loans to for both point source (wastewater and stormwater) and nonpoint source water pollution control projects. The PFA prepares an annual Intended Use Plan (IUP) based on a Project Priority List developed by the MPCA. The IUP describes the projects and activities eligible for funding during the state fiscal year. This fund includes an allocation for green projects. For more information, see the Clean Water Revolving Fund page.

• Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment: Funds are available for stormwater projects through the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Check the web site for information on availability of funding and also examples of stormwater projects that have been funded with Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment funding.

• Watershed Districts: Cost share programs are available through many watershed districts. Contact your local watershed district to find out if you are eligible for project funding. Contact the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts for more information.

• Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Cost share programs for stormwater projects may be available through your local soil and water conservation district. Contact the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Funded projects

• On January 22, 2014 the Board of Water and Soil Resources Board approved the FY 2014 clean water fund recipients. To see a list of stormwater projects, click on this link. File:Clean Water Legacy Stormwater Projects 2014.docx To see a complete list of projects that were funded, go to the list of funded projects

Currently funded projects

• Forest Lake Stormwater Filtration Retrofit — 2013

Sponsor: Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District

Funding source: Clean Water Partnership Grant $143,025

Purpose: This project will implement a stormwater retrofit of an existing stormwater pond and shoreline stabilization project in the Hilo Lane development, circa 1970s, located on the south shore of Forest Lake. Stormwater treatment for this 14 acre tributary drainage area comprised of residential land uses will include bio-filtration, iron enhanced sand filtration, channel stabilization and shoreline stabilization. The estimated nutrient reduction from the project is almost 12 pounds per year of total phosphorous.

• Assessing and Improving Pollution Prevention by Swales

Sponsor: MN Department of Transportation

Contact: Barbara Loida, MNDOT 651-366-3760

Funding source: Local Road Research Board $ 314,000

Purpose: This research will document the pollution prevention available through infiltration into the soil of swales and develop practical soil modifications which will make it possible to utilize existing right-of-way to meet permit requirements. The research will also develop methods to remove dissolved phosphorus and heavy metals in swales. Maintenance requirements will also be documented, demonstrating another advantage in using swales for pollution prevention and for runoff volume control.

Previously funded projects

• Assessing Enhanced Swales for Pollution Prevention - 2011

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Funding source: EPA 319 grant $400,000

Purpose: This research will demonstrate the effectiveness of a new stormwater treatment system developed specifically for capturing dissolved phosphorus and heavy metals from roadway runoff.

• Fulda Phosphorus Reduction Initative - 2011

Sponsor: Heron Lake Watershed District

Funding source: EPA 319 grant $12,600

Purpose: Through this effort, project sponsors will conduct a rain garden demonstration project to work with the community to address pollution concerns. This will be done by providing educational opportunities with the community to address pollution concerns. This will be done by providing education opportunities for students and the community to learn about native vegetation, water quality improvement, pollution reduction, and environmentally-friendly landscaping. This project will provide opportunities for students to learn about the importance of water quality improvemetn and how they can play a part in pollution reduction efforts.