Thief River Grade Stabilization and Cover Crop Implementation
The primary goal of the project is to reduce sediment entering the Lower Thief River by targeting grade stabilization and cover crop practices. The Thief River is impaired downstream of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge for Total Suspended Solids which directly impacts the drinking water supply for the City of Thief River Falls. The installation of 62 grade stabilization structures and 5,000 acres of cover crop in priority locations identified by a completed ditch inventory and the PTMApp will reduce an estimated 1,866 tons of sediment and 1,016 pounds of phosphorus.
Annie Felix-Gerth
(b) $16,000,000 the first year and $16,000,000 the second year are for grants to local government units to protect and restore surface water and drinking water; to keep water on the land; to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams; and to protect groundwater and drinking water, including feedlot water quality and subsurface sewage treatment system projects and stream bank, stream channel, shoreline restoration, and ravine stabilization projects. The projects must use practices demonstrated to be effective, be of long-lasting public benefit, include a match, and be consistent with total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans, watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS), or local water management plans or their equivalents. A portion of this money may be used to seek administrative efficiencies through shared resources by multiple local governmental units. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation is available for land-treatment projects and practices that benefit drinking water.
The project will target high priority areas to install 62 side water inlets and 5,000 acres of cover crops. An estimated 1,866 tons of sediment and 1,016 pounds of phosphorus will be reduced through project implementation.
The project installed 45 side water inlets in high priority areas which reduced sediment loading to the Thief River by 166 tons/year and phosphorus by 166 pounds/year.
LOCAL LEVERAGED FUNDS