HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024 (11)
Resolution No. 11 (2024)
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SUBMISSION OF A TARGETED
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GRANT FOR THE KINNICKINNIC RIVER
WATERSHED
COVER MEMO
TO: County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Jason Kjeseth, Director
DATE: March 5, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution Supporting Submission of a Targeted Resource Management
Grant for the Kinnickinnic River Watershed
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Large Scale Agricultural Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grant Program is a cost
share reimbursement program offering cost share up to 70% of eligible expense up to a
maximum award of $600,000. The rules allow for up to 40% of the amount awarded for Best
Management Practices (BMP) implementation to be used for staff.
The purpose of the TRM grant is improvement of water quality in areas with developed Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The area to be served by a Kinnickinnic River TRM grant are
two HUC 12 sized watersheds. The project area was selected for the grant application for
several reasons: 1) the Kinnickinnic River watershed is the second highest phosphorus
contributor to Lake St. Croix; 2) soil erosion potential has been modeled for this area using the
EVAAL model; 3) the proposed work would build on current work to reduce phosphorus loss in
the Willow River Watershed; and 4) the 22-mile Kinnickinnic River is an exceptional natural
resource and world-class trout stream.
The Kinni’s 174-square-mile watershed is home to more than 50% of the bird species and 40%
of the plant species found in Wisconsin. It contains more than 40 species of endangered,
threatened, or special concern plants, animals, and insects.
If successful, the grant will provide $375,000 for cost share of phosphorus reducing BMPs to be
implemented in the Kinnickinnic Headwaters and Parker Creek sub-watersheds. It would also
provide $150,000 to be used to support staff over the three-year project.
Resolution No. 11 (2024)
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SUBMISSION OF A TARGETED
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GRANT FOR THE KINNICKINNIC RIVER
WATERSHED
1 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Land & Water Resource Management Plan, adopted
2 by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on October 2, 2018, Resolution 25(2018),
3 identifies the protection and improvement of surface water resources and the development of
4 partnerships as high priorities; and
5
6 WHEREAS, St. Croix County was a key contributor to the United States Environmental
7 Protection Agency approved Implementation Plan for the Lake St. Croix Nutrient Total
8 Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and has obligations to meet its goals outlined within; and
9
10 WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, can provide up to
11 $600,000 that can be used for carrying out approved TMDL implementation plans; and
12
13 WHEREAS, the Community Development Department seeks authorization to submit an
14 application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources TRM grant that will support a
15 staff member in order to fulfill the objectives outlined in the St. Croix County Land & Water
16 Resource Management Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Lake St. Croix Nutrient Total
17 Maximum Daily Load; and
18
19 WHEREAS, TRM Grant funds can be used to reimburse the County for up to 70% of the
20 cost to carry out grant activities including implementation of conservation practices cost share,
21 employee costs, and education/outreach activities, and will provide at least 30% in-kind match as
22 a requirement of the TRM Grant.
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of
25 Supervisors that the Community Development Department Director and Land and Water
26 Conservation Administrator have the authority to act on behalf of St. Croix County and the
27 Community Development Department to:
28
29 · Sign and submit an application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a
30 $525,000 Targeted Runoff Management Grant;
31 · Sign a grant agreement between St. Croix County and the Wisconsin Department of
32 Natural Resources;
33 · Enter into cost share agreements with landowners to install Best Management Practices
34 (BMPs);
35 · Make cost-share payments to landowners/operators after evidence of contractor payment
36 is received and grantee has verified proper BMP installation;
37 · Sign and submit reimbursement claims along with necessary supporting documentation;
38 · Sign and submit interim and final reports as required by the grant agreement;
39 · Sign and submit an Environmental Hazards Assessment Form, if required; and
40 · Take necessary actions to undertake, direct, and complete the approved project.
Legal – Fiscal – Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note:
Fiscal Impact: This grant opportunity does not require any County funds outside of the normal
budget. The program is a 70/30 cost share, but the County's 30% is in kind. So we
use staffs wages, vehicles, mileage, and office space to meet the 30% County
share. These grants provide the landowner, with an eligible project, reimbursement
up to 70% of their project cost.
02/15/24 Community Development Committee RECOMMENDED
RESULT: RECOMMENDED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Jerry VanSomeren, Supervisor
SECONDER: Shawn Anderson, Supervisor
AYES: Anderson, Counter, Hansen, Sherley, VanSomeren, Hesselink
Vote Confirmation.
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call - Vote Requirement – Majority of Supervisors Present
RESULT: ADOPTED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Ryan Sherley, Supervisor
SECONDER: Jerry VanSomeren, Supervisor
AYES: Lind, Anderson, Long, Leaf, Koch, Adams, Berning, Ottino, Feidler, Ostness,
Hansen, Sherley, Tellijohn, Carlson, Barcalow, Swanepoel, VanSomeren, Ramberg
ABSENT: Scott Counter
This Resolution was Adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 5, 2024
Christine Hines, County Clerk