BWSR to issue $12.5 million in grants, cost share to counties affected by June floods

For release: Aug. 27 2012                 Contact: Jennifer Maleitzke, 651-215-9008 (office); 651-315-5082 (cell)

BWSR to issue $12.5 million in grants, cost share to counties affected by June floods

 

St. Paul, Minn.—Following passage of the flood relief bill as enacted by the Legislature and the Governor last Friday, the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) will begin issuing up to $12.5 million in grants and cost share funding to affected local governments to assist communities and landowners repair flood damage lands, streams and related infrastructure.

 

“We want to get this money out to the affected areas as soon as possible,” John Jaschke, BWSR Executive Director said. “There is a lot of work that must get started soon to repair the damages inflicted by the June flood events.”

 

$11 million was appropriated for erosion, sediment and water quality control projects, and $1.5 million was appropriated for the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program, for purchase of perpetual conservation easements for lands that were damaged beyond repair in the storm event. Examples of projects that will take place include stream channel restoration and stabilization of landslide areas that threaten public or private property.

 

The BWSR Board established the following criteria that will apply to the funds:

 

• These funds shall be used to match or leverage federal funds where feasible, or used when federal funds are not available.
• State disaster assistance funds provided are intended to serve only as an advance of funds to enable the recipient to begin disaster recovery efforts. Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and landowners are expected to apply for all available non-State assistance and reimburse the state funds when Federal or other funds become available.

 

Affected landowners should contact their local soil and water conservation district office for specific policies and information.

 

Broadcast version

 

The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) announced today it will begin issuing up to $12.5 million in grants and cost-share to local governments affected by the June storm events.

 

Affected landowners should contact their local soil and water conservation district office for specific policies and information.

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