Otter Tail WBIF FY25/26
Watershed based implementation funds will be used to target conservation practices utilizing the principles associated with Prioritize, Target and Measure as referenced in our Local Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Implementation Funds are budgeted for the installation of best management practices and to support staff capacity necessary to implement the plan. Funding is earmarked for the following work activity categories: nonstructural practices, structural practices, urban stormwater practices, livestock waste management, subsurface sewage treatment systems, shoreland/streambank structural, forestry practices, education and information, regulations/ordinances/enforcement, technical assistance/engineering, project development and administration/coordination. The following is a summary of estimated practices to be completed with WBI funds (actual results may vary depending on landowner participation):1,120 acres of Non-Structural BMPs, 13 Structural Practices, 3 Urban Stormwater Practices, 140 acres of Ground Based Practices, 2 Livestock Waste Management Practices, 2 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems, 5,200 feet of Shoreland/Streambank Structural Practices, and 13 Forestry Plans/Practices. Estimated pollution reductions are as follows: Phosphorus by 400 lbs/year, Nitrogen by 5,600 lbs/year and Sediment by 2,200 tons/year (actual results may vary depending on practices completed). A PTMapp scenario was developed during the planning process to estimate the water quality benefits for projects in priority areas. A benefits calculator was created by using the best practices in each priority area (best load reduction and best cost effectiveness) for targeting critical soil loss and nitrogen infiltration risk.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(a) $39,500,000 the first year and $39,500,000 the second year are for grants to implement state-approved watershed-based plans. The grants may be used to implement projects or programs that protect, enhance, and restore surface PreviouswaterNext quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; protect groundwater from degradation; and protect drinking PreviouswaterNext sources. Projects must be identified in a comprehensive watershed plan developed under the One Watershed, One Plan program and seven-county metropolitan groundwater or surface PreviouswaterNext management frameworks as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103B, 103C, 103D, and 114D. Grant recipients must identify a nonstate match and may use other legacy funds to supplement projects funded under this paragraph. This appropriation may be used for: (1) implementing state-approved plans, including within the following watershed planning areas (see Chapter 40 Article 2 Section 6(a) (2) for the list of watershed planning areas: seven-county metropolitan groundwater or surface PreviouswaterNext management frameworks; and(3) other comprehensive watershed management plan planning areas that have a board-approved and local-government-adopted plan as authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.801. The board must establish eligibility criteria and determine whether a planning area is ready to proceed and has the nonstate match committed.
Estimated outcomes from practices totals: 400 lbs/year Phosphorus, 5,600 lbs/year of Nitrogen, and 2,200 tons/year of Sediment. Actual results may vary depending on actual practices completed.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS