Community Advisory Committee 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 12, 2021 – Held Electronically Until further notice Community Advisory Committee meetings will only be available via telephone and/or the web-based application Go To Meeting. You will not be able to attend meetings in person. You can join the meeting electronically by clinking on this link https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/800812509 and following the directions or dial in using your phone: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 800-812-509 Please visit www.capitolregionwd.org to get additional CRWD COVID-19 information. Agenda
Materials Enclosed
7:00
I)
Welcome, Announcements, Updates, and Introductions
7:05
II)
Public Comment for Issues Not on the Agenda (3 minutes per person)
7:08
III)
Approval of the Agenda
7:09
IV)
Approval of Minutes A) Approval of the April 14, 2021 Minutes
7:10
V)
District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A) Stewardship Grants Update (Eleria)
7:50
VI)
CAC Initiatives A) CAC Recruiting Update (Willems)
8:30
VII)
Project and Program Updates A) Seminary Pond Update (Eleria) B) Boulevard Rain Garden Project Update (Eleria)
8:50
VIII) CAC Observer Update
8:55
IX)
Discussion A) New & Old Issues B) CAC Observer for May 19, 2021 and June 2, 2021 Board of Managers Meeting
9:00
X)
Adjourn
Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
Community Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 7:00 p.m.
CAC Members Present: Nicole Soderholm, remote Bob Simonet, remote David Arbeit, remote Mary Lilly, remote Mike MacDonald, remote Richard Weil, remote Cheryl Braun, remote Steve Duerre, remote Gwen Willems, remote Michelle Ulrich, remote Devin Driscoll, call-in Lauren Wheeler, remote
Others Present: Mark Doneux, CRWD Rick Sanders, CRWD Manager, remote Jessica Bromelkamp, CRWD, remote Mark Houle, CRWD, remote Britta Belden, CRWD, remote Belinda Gardner, CRWD, remote Chris Kucek, CRWD, remote Mary Van Sant, CRWD, remote Carrie Magnuson, Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District, remote U of M student observers, remote
CAC Members Absent: Pat Cavanaugh, excused Tom Elko, unexcused I. Welcome, Announcements, and Updates Ms. Willems opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by videoconference. Ms. Willems asked for any announcements or updates. University of Minnesota student observer gave a brief introduction of the University program and overview of the student observers’ program course work. II. Public Comment for Issues Not on the Agenda Ms. Willems asked for comments not on the agenda. It was agreed that Mr. Arbeit’s discussion item regarding a recent ALJ’s decision recommending MPCA’s adoption of proposed surface water standards will be addressed later in the agenda as part of the Discussion items. III. Approval of Agenda CAC 21-012 Motion: To approve the CAC April 14, 2021 agenda
“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 1
Duerre/Arbeit Unanimously approved. IV. Approval of Minutes A. March 10, 2021 CAC Meeting Minutes CAC 21-013 Motion: To approve the March 10, 2021 CAC Meeting Minutes. Unanimously approved. V. District Initiatives for Review, Comment and Recommendations A) CAC Tour (Doneux) Mr. Doneux introduced the topic of an in-person CAC tour of the District, with members driving individually and following COVID protective guidelines. The CAC supported an in-person tour but suggested the tour take place in the fall, when more people will have an opportunity to be fully vaccinated. B) CRWD Annual Report (Van Sant) Ms. Van Sant presented the District’s draft Annual Report for review and comment. The CAC commended staff for preparing a well-drafted summary of the District’s remarkable progress and accomplishments. Ms. Van Sant added the draft Report will go to the Board for approval at its next regular meeting, and then forwarded to BWSR for filing. VI. CAC Initiatives A. CAC Recruiting Update (Willems) Ms. Willems provided an update on the recruiting process, explaining she is working with Ms. Gardener in providing letters of recruitment to six watershed district affiliates. VII. Project and Program Updates A) Como Lake Curly Leaf Pondweed Management Update (Belden) Ms. Belden presented an update on the Como Lake Curly Leaf Pondweed Management project, explaining that on March 31, 2021 the herbicide Fluridone was applied to the entire are of Como Lake to target curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive aquatic plant. There are no contact restrictions with Fluridone, and monitoring will occur throughout the treatment period and following months to maintain safe concentrations. The District had great success last year with its treatment plan, seeing significant reduction in plant growth. B) Como Lake Angler Survey Update (Houle)
“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 2
Mr. Houle provided an update on the District’s Como Lake Angling Survey Work Plan, asking for volunteers from the CAC to take part in the survey, interviewing anglers around Como Lake. Staff will provide volunteers training on interview techniques, how to use the survey software on a smartphone or other device to record and upload data. CAC members provided staff suggested clarifying language for the survey itself. C) Trash Data Project Update (Kucek) Mr. Kucek addressed the District’s trash data project, providing background and goals of the project. Mr. Kucek explained how this initiative uses a mobile application that allows volunteers to collect data on trash they find and to build a database of trach location and type. The App will be used in the City of St. Paul’s April 24th city-wide clean-up. VIII. CAC Observer Update CAC Observer Mr. Doneux provided the CAC a brief summary of the Board’s March 17, 2021 regular meeting, noting the Board acted on five permits, considered a special report on the Ford Site Redevelopment and appointed Andrew Montain to serve on the CAC. Mr. Simonet reported on the Board’s April 7, 2021 regular and workshop meetings, highlighting the Board’s consideration of four permit items, the Trout Brook Interceptor MS4 Permit and SWPPP application, and staff update on the Ford Site Redevelopment project. IX. Discussion A. New & Old Issues Mr. Arbeit addressed the April 9, 2021 Star Tribune article reporting on the Minnesota ALJ’s recommendation that MPCA/EPA adopt rule revisions proposed by the MPCA concerning water quality standards, replacing certain concrete numeric standards with narrative descriptions. Mr. MacDonald noted that the rule comment period is now closed. Mr. Doneux provided information on the rule process, noting that the District is aware of the rule revisions, but did not provide public comment on them since the proposed changes do not pertain to the class of water bodies within the watershed district. Mr. Doneux added that staff will follow up on the rule amendment status. B. CAC Observer for April 21, 2021 and May 5, 2021 Board of Managers Meetings. Ms. Wheeler volunteered to attend the Board’s April 21, 2021 meeting. X. Adjourn CAC 21-014 Motion: To adjourn the April 14, 2021 CAC Meeting. “Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 3
Simonet/Soderholm Unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Ulrich
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“Our mission is to protect, manage, and improve the water resources of the Capitol Region Watershed District.” 4
May 12, 2021 CAC Meeting V. District Initiatives A) Stewardship Grant Program Updates (Eleria) DATE: TO: FROM: RE:
May 6, 2021 CRWD Community Advisory Committee Members Anna Eleria, Division Manager Stewardship Grant Program – 2021 Updates
Background For over 15 years, CRWD’s Stewardship Grant Program has offered technical and financial assistance to property owners interested in implementing stormwater best management practices (BMPs) on their property. To date, nearly 300 BMP projects throughout the District have been constructed voluntarily through the Stewardship Grant Program. This has resulted in treating 77 acres in the District and reducing stormwater volumes by over 5,200,000 cubic feet annually. In addition, approximately 22,000 pounds of sediment and 55 pounds of phosphorus are prevented from reaching the Mississippi River each year through Stewardship Grant projects. The Planning, Projects and Grants (PPG) Division administers the Stewardship Grant Program. Issues Periodically, PPG staff evaluates and updates the grant program with the last one conducted in early 2018. Over the past winter, PPG staff have reviewed the Stewardship Grant Program and are suggesting changes to the program with the goals, themes and priorities of the recently adopted Watershed Management Plan (WMP) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan in mind. The changes to the program fall under three main categories: •
•
•
Consolidating the Stewardship Grant Program, typically for clean water projects less than $40,000, and the larger Water Quality Capitol Improvement Grant Program, typically for projects between $40,000 - $200,000, into one grant offering. The purpose for the consolidation is to be more efficient with staff time, minimize confusion about CRWD’s grants, and offer clean water project grants year-round. Offering small grant awards for native landscaping and pollinator habitat projects in CRWD’s geographic focus areas – Trout Brook, Saint Anthony Hill and Phalen Creek subwatersheds. The intent of this new grant type is to aid with implementation of other ecologically beneficial projects that may have broader appeal in the focus areas and be more feasible to implement than rain gardens or other clean water projects that have certain site and design criteria. Offering small maintenance grants to recipients of a CRWD Stewardship Grant. Feedback received from a 2018 survey to past grantees, previous rain garden maintenance workshops and WMP development process indicated that more maintenance support from CRWD is desired.
CRWD staff are proposing to offer three types of grants under the Stewardship Grant Program. The three types of grants are: 1) Clean Water Project Grants; 2) Native Landscaping Project Grants; and 3) BMP Maintenance Grants. The enclosed summary table presents each grant’s purpose, watershed management plan reference, eligibility requirements, grant award ranges, match requirements, and timelines. Also Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
enclosed are draft grant overview documents that further describe these three grant types offered under CRWD’s Stewardship Grant Program. These documents will serve as the basis for grant outreach materials. Besides these three grant types, CRWD will continue to offer grants for planning of larger clean water projects and well-sealing projects. No changes are proposed to these two grant types. Given the emphasis on implementation of CRWD grant projects in several subwatersheds, PPG staff are working with Communications and Engagement staff to develop a plan for Stewardship Grant Program outreach/promotion activities in 2021 and 2022. Activities will include participation in community events, outreach to past and current Partner Grantees, places of worship, Saint Paul District Councils and other community groups and translation of grant information materials. Action Requested None required at this time. For your review and comment. Encs. Stewardship Grant Program Updates – Summary Table Clean Water Project Grants Overview Native Landscaping Grants Overview BMP Maintenance Grants Overview
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Our mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
CRWD Stewardship Grant Program Updates Grant Types 5/4/2021 Clean Water Projects
Maintenance Grants To provide financial assistance for maintenance To provide financial and technical assistance for To provide financial assistance for native of previously funded Clean Water Projects located stomwater best management practices, such as landscaping and pollinator habitat projects in at schools, places of worship, non‐profits, rain gardens, rain barrels/cisterns, permeable CRWD's focus areas ‐ Trout Brook, Saint Anthony businesses and multi‐family residential pavement and green roofs. Hill and Phalen Creek subwatersheds. properties.
Grant Summary
Native Landscaping Projects
Community equity and engaging underrepresented groups; Quality of life; Partnerships
Themes
Rain as a Resource; Quality of life; Partnerships
Goals
EH Goal #9 ‐ Foster the expansion of native plant BE Goal #5 ‐ Support the voluntary IM Goal #4 ‐ Offer BMP inspection and implementation of green infrastrucutre practices communities in the District by promoting District maintenance support to District grantees by offering grant programs and partner grant opportunities
2021 ‐ 2030 WMP References
Any property owner located in the Trout Brook, Saint Anthony Park and Phalen Creek subwatersheds
Adaptive management; Partnerships
Any previous Clean Water Project grant recipient in the past 10 years. Single‐family residential scale projects are not eligible but technical advice is available. Recipients of native landscaping grants are not eligible for maintenance grants.
Eligible Applicant
Any property owner in the District
Eligible Projects, Activities and Materials
Rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, cisterns, green roofs, underground infiltration systems
Native gardens and pollinator habitat gardens
Application Period
Year‐round
Year‐round
Grant Amount
$500 ‐ $200,000 one‐time
NA (ineligible)
Matching Funds
5% residents; 10% non‐profits, schools, public agencies; 25% businesses
NA (ineligible)
50%
Grant Amount
$500‐$200,000 one‐time
Up to $1,000 one‐time
$200 ‐ $2,000 annually for ten years after project completion
CRWD Non‐Focus Areas
CRWD Focus Areas Matching Funds Project Timeline Grant Payment
Routine maintenance work by a contractor such as weeding, sediment removal, plant replacement, mulching, cleaning of BMPs, and repairs. Materials only for work by grantee. Year‐round $200 ‐ $2,000 annually for ten years after project completion
0% residents; 5% non‐profits, schools, public agencies; 10% businesses 12 months
None required
25%
12 months
Reimbursement after the project is completed. Requests accepted at any time.
Reimbursement after the project is completed. Requests accepted at anytime.
Annually for ten years after project completion Reimbursement requests must be made by December 1st the year that expenses are incurred.
Past/Current/Future Grant Award Budgets $250K / $350K / $500K
$ 0K / $20K out of SG budget / $50K out of SG budget
$0 / $20K / $50K
CRWD Contact Person
Stormwater BMP Specialist ‐ Carol Lundgren
Stormwater BMP Technician ‐ Rachel Funke
Stormwater BMP Specialist ‐ Carol Lundgren
Clean Water Project Grants Stewardship Grant Program OVERVIEW
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) covers areas of Saint Paul, Roseville, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale and Maplewood. CRWD is a highly developed urban area with about 42% impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots and buildings. These impervious surfaces have widespread consequences for our streams, rivers and lakes. Rainwater falling on these hard surfaces carries large amounts of pollution as it flows directly into these shared water resources. As such, CRWD offers technical and financial assistance to encourage private and public landowners to install clean water projects that protect and improve the quality of the Mississippi River as well as lakes and streams within the district.
GOALS • • • • •
Support clean water projects that improve water quality by decreasing stormwater runoff and pollutants Provide opportunities to educate the public on their connection to water resources Provide demonstration of effective and/or innovative management practices Foster stewardship of CRWD water resources from residents, businesses, schools, community groups and others who live, work or serve within CRWD Support projects that further CRWD’s equity goal of implementing water quality improvement projects in underserved areas
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants include residents, non-profits, schools, public agencies, and all other organizations located within Capitol Region Watershed District.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY • • • •
Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) such rain gardens, shoreline restoration, water re-use systems, green roofs and other green infrastructure practices Rain barrel with the installation of another stormwater BMP Plants, soil, mulch, and other non-decorative landscape expenses such as tool rental Contracted construction costs (in-kind labor not eligible for reimbursement) Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
FUNDING CYCLE AND TIMELINE
Applications for the Clean Water Project Grants are accepted year-round. Applications may take up to 30 business days to review.
PROJECT PERIOD
Fully executed Clean Water Project grant agreements are valid for 12 months. Clean water projects started before the agreement is fully executed do not qualify for funding; including materials purchased prior to the fully executed agreement. A pre-construction meeting with the grantee and contractor, if applicable, must be completed before construction begins.
GRANT AWARD AND MATCHING FUNDS
The minimum grant award is $500. Individual BMP grant awards for a clean water project may be combined to qualify. The maximum grant award for any Clean Water Grant project is $200,000 unless otherwise authorized by the CRWD Board of Managers. Grant awards less than $20,000 are reviewed by CRWD staff and approved by the District Administrator. Grant awards equal to or greater than $20,000 must be approved by CRWD’s Board of Managers. Match requirements: • Residential, public agencies and non-profits: match requirement of 5% • Business and other for-profit organizations: match requirement of 25% • Match requirement applies to grant eligible expenses Rain Barrels: • 100% of cost up to $1,000 • No match requirement
Grant Award Bonuses Grant award bonuses provide additional financial support to clean water projects. Projects must meet the criteria of the bonuses to qualify, and bonuses are automatically calculated into the grant award amount. No additional applications are required. Visibility/Education Bonus: CRWD offers a bonus for projects that are accessible and/or visible to the public. This bonus is automatically applied to all clean water projects that qualify as determined by CRWD staff.
Focus Area Bonus: In effort to expand clean water programs and projects in central and eastern portions of the district, CRWD offers a grant award bonus for projects in this area. See CRWD’s Focus Area Bonus Map for more details. In addition, CRWD has adjusted match requirements for those that qualify for this bonus. • Residential: no match requirement • Public agencies and non-profits: match requirement of 5% • Businesses and other for-profit organizations: match requirement of 10%
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Water Quality Grant awards are issued as a reimbursement after a project has passed final inspection. Reimbursement is issued in the form of a check within 60 business days after the reimbursement form is submitted and approved. Receipts and invoices submitted with the Reimbursement Form must be itemized and show proof of payment.
REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATION
The following are required of all grantees: • Application submitted to clundgren@capitolregionwd.org • Signed grant agreement (provided by CRWD) • Records related to this grant may be governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, as amended (“Minnesota Governmental Data Practices Act”). Pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 16C.05, subd. 5, the books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices related to this grant shall be subject to examination by the District or its representative, and that complete and accurate records of the work performed pursuant to an executed grant agreement shall be kept for a minimum of six (6) years following termination of the agreement for auditing purposes. • The Grantee will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the District against any and all claims, liability, loss, damage, or expense arising under the provisions of this Agreement, whether by the parties or by their agents, employees or contractors. Neither the District, or the Grantee, if applicable, waive any immunities provided by any law or doctrine, including those of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 466. • The Grantee will allow CRWD access to the site for periodic inspections, site visits, and public tours.
LONG-TERM OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
To ensure that the expected operational life of a grant funded BMP is achieved, an Operation and Maintenance Agreement is incorporated into the Grant Agreement. Project maintenance is the sole responsibility of the applicant. CRWD will conduct periodic inspections of the final project to ensure O&M responsibilities are met for 10-years.
PERMITTING
The grantee is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and meeting all other legal requirements. The applicant must have all required permits and approvals prior to start of construction or the project will be considered ineligible for funding.
CONFORMANCE TO POLICIES
CRWD reserves the right to withdraw funding for any project not completed in accordance with these guidelines or the terms of the executed Grant Agreement.
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
Native Landscape Grants Stewardship Grant Program OVERVIEW
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) covers areas of Saint Paul, Roseville, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale and Maplewood. CRWD is a highly developed urban area with about 42% impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots and buildings. These impervious surfaces have widespread consequences for our streams, rivers and lakes. Rainwater falling on these hard surfaces carries large amounts of pollution as it flows directly into these shared water resources. As such, CRWD offers technical and financial assistance to encourage private and public landowners to install native landscaping and pollinator habitat in the St. Anthony Hill, Trout Brook or Phalen Creek sub-watersheds (Focus Area). See CRWD’s Focus Area Map for more details.
GOALS • • • •
Foster the expansion of native plant communities through conversion of turf grass to native plantings and pollinator habitat Support projects that further CRWD’s equity goal of implementing projects in the focus areas Foster stewardship of CRWD water resources from residents, businesses, schools, community groups and others who live, work or serve within CRWD Provide opportunities for property owners to mitigate climate change and stormwater runoff
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants include residents, non-profits, schools, public agencies, businesses and all other organizations located within the Trout Brook, Saint Anthony Hill and Phalen Creek subwatersheds in Capitol Region Watershed District. See Focus Area Map to see if you qualify.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY • • • •
Native plants or cultivars and other pollinator-friendly plants Soil, mulch, and other non-decorative landscape expenses such as tool rental Landscape design expenses Contracted construction costs (in-kind labor not eligible for reimbursement)
FUNDING CYCLE AND TIMELINE
Applications for the Native Landscape Grant are accepted year-round. Applications may take up to 30 business days to review. Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
PROJECT PERIOD
Any work that occurs before a grant agreement is fully executed is not eligible for grant reimbursement. All grant projects must be completed by the date identified in the grant agreement, typically one year after the grant is awarded.
GRANT AWARD AND MATCHING FUNDS
Maximum one-time grant award of $1,000. There is no match-requirement for the Native Landscape Grant. Grantee must inform CRWD if they are receiving grant funds from another government agency. Grant awards cannot exceed the actual cost of the project.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Grant reimbursements will not be issued until all expenses have been paid, and CRWD staff have verified projects are completed. Grantees are required to provide CRWD with itemized receipts and a photo of the completed project. Reimbursements will be made in the form of a check within 60 business days of final CRWD approval.
REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATION
The following are required of all grantees: • Application submitted to clundgren@capitolregionwd.org • Signed grant agreement (provided by CRWD) • Records related to this grant may be governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, as amended (“Minnesota Governmental Data Practices Act”). Pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 16C.05, subd. 5, the books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices related to this grant shall be subject to examination by the District or its representative, and that complete and accurate records of the work performed pursuant to an executed grant agreement shall be kept for a minimum of six (6) years following termination of the agreement for auditing purposes. • The Grantee will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the District against any and all claims, liability, loss, damage, or expense arising under the provisions of this Agreement, whether by the parties or by their agents, employees or contractors. Neither the District, or the Grantee, if applicable, waive any immunities provided by any law or doctrine, including those of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 466. • The Grantee will allow CRWD access to the site for periodic inspections, site visits, and public tours.
LONG-TERM OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
To ensure that the expected operational life of a grant funded BMP is achieved, an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) is incorporated into the Grant Agreement. Project maintenance is the sole responsibility of the applicant. CRWD will conduct periodic inspections of the final project to ensure O&M responsibilities are met for 5-years. Native Landscape Grants do not qualify for the Stewardship Maintenance Grant Program.
PERMITTING
The grantee is responsible for ensuring their project complies with all local ordinances such as plant height restrictions. Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
CONFORMANCE TO POLICIES
CRWD reserves the right to withdraw funding for any project not completed in accordance with these guidelines or the terms of the executed Grant Agreement.
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
BMP Maintenance Grants Stewardship Grant Program OVERVIEW
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) offers technical and financial assistance through its grant programs to encourage private and public landowners to install clean water projects that protect and improve the quality of water resources withing the District.
To ensure ongoing water quality benefit of these clean water projects, grantees agree to maintenance responsibilities for the effective life of the project. For eligible project applicants, CRWD offers financial assistance toward maintenance activities through its Maintenance Grant program. All grantees regardless of project type or age of project are eligible for technical assistance from CRWD staff.
GOALS •
• •
To ensure ongoing water quality benefit of grant-funded clean water projects for their entire effective life Set grantees up for success in initial years after project completion when maintenance needs are greater Assist grantees with older projects that have been difficult to maintain due to capacity or budgeting constraints
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
The following groups that have completed a clean water project through CRWD’s grant programs and whose projects are within 10 years of completion can apply for a maintenance grant: • Schools/Universities • Places of worship • Non-profits • Businesses • Multi-family homeowner associations
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
For grant-funded stormwater best management practices, the following activities and materials are eligible for reimbursement on an annual basis for up to 10 years after project completion: • Routine maintenance work done by a contractor including weeding, sediment removal, plant replacements, erosion repair, and mulching. Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
•
Cost of materials* for grantees doing maintenance work themselves (including tool/equipment rental) • Cleaning of pervious surfaces (such as pervious pavers or permeable asphalt) • Hydrovac services for underground infiltration systems or pre-treatment structures (sumped catch basins, hydrodynamic devices) * Tool/equipment purchases and in-kind labor and materials are not eligible for reimbursement. Native landscaping is not considered a stormwater best management practice and is not eligible for maintenance grant funding.
FUNDING CYCLE AND TIMELINE
Applications are accepted year-round. Reimbursement requests must be received by December 1st of each year.
PROJECT PERIOD
Any work that occurs before a grant agreement is fully executed is not eligible for grant reimbursement. Reimbursement will be provided on an annual basis for the work completed within the calendar year.
GRANT AWARD AND MATCHING FUNDS
CRWD will cover 50% of project costs, up to $2,000/year, for up to 10 years after project completion. The grantee will be responsible for a minimum of 50% of project maintenance costs.
In an effort to expand clean water programs and projects in central and eastern portions of the District, CRWD offers a grant award bonus for projects in its Focus Area. To determine if a project qualifies see the Focus Area Bonus Map. CRWD will cover 75% of project costs, up to $2,000/year for the project’s effective life for projects located in CRWD’s Focus Area. The grantee will be responsible for a minimum of 25% of project maintenance costs. The minimum grant award is $200.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Reimbursement requests must be received by December 1st of each year. Grantees may submit one reimbursement request per year. Receipts and/or paid invoices must be received for all items or work completed. Reimbursements will be made within 60 days of final CRWD approval.
APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION The following are required of all grantees: • Application/opt-in • Signed grant agreement • Reimbursement requests
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE PLAN
To ensure that the water quality objective of the project is met, the grantee shall ensure that the project is fully functional and adequately maintained according to the Operations and Maintenance Plan provided in the Maintenance Agreement for the duration of the project’s effective life. Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.
PERMITTING
The grantee is responsible for obtaining all necessary federal, state and local permits. The applicant must have all required permits and approvals prior to beginning work or the project will be considered ineligible for reimbursement.
CONFORMANCE TO POLICIES
CRWD reserves the right to withdraw funding for any project not completed in accordance with these guidelines or the terms of the executed Grant Agreement.
MAINTENANCE RESOURCES • • • •
CRWD Maintenance Webpage https://www.capitolregionwd.org/project-maintenance/ CRWD Gardening Guide https://www.capitolregionwd.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/09/CRWD-Garden-Guide_Sept2020.pdf Blue Thumb https://bluethumb.org/ MN DNR Restore Your Shore Guidance https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rys/index.html
Our Mission is to protect, manage and improve the water resources of Capitol Region Watershed District.