Clean Water Funding Opportunity

The application process for 2012 Clean Water Funds has closed and project funding has been granted. Click HERE for a list of 2010/2011 and 2012 Clean Water Funded Projects.

Future Funding Opportunity: $500,000 in Clean Water Funds will be available in 2013. We will be accepting applications for 2013 projects in fall 2012.

The Legislature has directed the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) to appropriate $500,000 of the Clean Water Fund each state fiscal year to be contracted for services with Conservation Corps Minnesota. BWSR has contracted with the Corps to provide funded labor to cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, metropolitan watershed management organizations, and joint powers organizations of those local government units to undertake projects consistent with the mission of the Corps, the goals of the Clean Water Fund (Laws of Minnesota, Chapter 172, section 6), and grant policies adopted by BWSR. 

Funds are available for the purpose of protecting, enhancing, and restoring water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams and to protect groundwater and drinking water sources from degradation. Funds are available for Conservation Corps crew labor only.

Applicant Eligibility and Guidelines:
All applicants must have an approved TMDL Implementation Plan, a current watershed management plan, county comprehensive local water management plan, local surface water management plan, metro groundwater plan, surface water intake plan, or well head protection plan that has been state approved and locally adopted.

Conservation Corps Clean Water Funds provide 100% of the eligible crew labor costs. Applicants are responsible for providing a 25% match of the cost with local, federal, or in-kind cash value (state funds cannot be used as match). To calculate match required: Multiply number of crew days requested by $290.

Proposals should demonstrate significant, measurable project outputs to achieve water quality objectives through the implementation of best management practices. Projects that focus on retaining water on the land through native plantings (i.e. rain garden installation) versus habitat restoration (i.e. invasive species removal and herbicide application) are preferred. Practices must be of long-lasting public benefit with a minimum 10 years effective life.

The Conservation Corps will put preference on projects that add value to the corpsmember experience through on-site education and work skills training.

Learn More About Crew Capabilities:
AmeriCorps field crews (ages 18-25)
Summer youth crews (ages 15-18)

Contact Tim Johnson-Grass at (651) 209-9900 ext. 18 with any questions.