Kanaranzi-Little Rock Watershed District Stimulus Project Completion
In September of 2009 and January of 2010, the Federal Government allocated $300,000 worth of Federal Funds to the Kanaranzi-Little Rock Watershed District through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Funds were to be utilized as cost-share assistance for conservation practices such as terraces, waterways and water and sediment control basins. All practices are designed to reduce erosion and also help mitigate flood damages.
The program received more requests for funds than what was available. The Nobles SWCD pursued funds through the Clean Water fund to complete the additional requests for conservation practices. The federal funds have resulted in 26 projects being installed. The additional Clean Water Fund money will supplement remaining federal funds to form a comprehensive local-state-federal approach. An additional ten projects are expected to result from the partnership. A possible $509,000 worth of federal funds and local landowner
contributions combined with the $178,930 of Clean Water Funds have led to a huge success of on the ground conservation.
$21,872 of the grant total was also utilized on projects outside the Kanaranzi-Little Rock Watershed District. A waterway outleting into Lake Okabena and a stream bank stabilization project in the Heron Lake Watershed have been completed.
Nicole Clapp
(c) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are for nonpoint source pollution reduction and restoration grants to watershed districts, watershed management organizations, counties, and soil and water conservation districts for grants in addition to grants available under paragraphs (a) and (b) to keep water on the land and to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater and drinking water. The projects must be of long-lasting public benefit, include a local match, and be consistent with TMDL implementation plans or local water management plans. Up to five percent may be used for administering the grants (2010 - Clean Water Assistance)
The funds are to be utilized as cost -share assistance for conservation practices such as terraces, waterways and water and sediment control basins. The clean water funds will result in an additional 10 of these projects after in addition to 26 from federal funds. Additionally, a waterway outleting into Lake Okabena and a stream bank stabilization project in the Heron Lake Watershed have been completed.
This project resulted in the installation of 25 rain gardens, 14 permeable pavement systems, 22 rain barrels, 3 rain exchange capture and reuse systems, and 4 tree plantings. These will reduce stormwater runoff to Diamond Lake by approximately 1.5 million gallons each year. They will also reduce the amount of phosphorous entering the lake by 3 pounds per year. It is estimated that 1 lb. of phosphorous can produce around 500 pounds of algae.