BWSR - Cost-Share Manual and Forms

The Erosion Control and Water Management Program, commonly known as the State Cost-Share Program, was created to provide funds to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to share the cost of systems or practices for erosion control, sedimentation control, or water quality improvements that are designed to protect and improve soil and water resources. Through the State Cost-Share Program, land occupiers can request financial and technical assistance from their local District for the implementation of conservation practices.

State Cost Share Program Proposed Rulemaking

BWSR has been working on changes to the State Cost Share program for the past year. This effort will result in the creation of an amended rule, BWSR Board adopted policies, and a program manual that together will guide the future implementation of the State Cost Share Program. Currently, BWSR staff have developed proposed rule changes and a draft policy that are being posted to inform and solicit input from SWCDs and other interested parties. Posted are the following documents:

     (1) Revised Draft Mn Rule Chapter 8400, Cost Share Program ~~strikeout~~/underline version showing proposed changes.
     (2) Revised Draft Mn Rule Chapter 8400, Cost Share Program, clean version incorporating proposed rule changes.
     (3) Draft Erosion Control and Water Management Policy – State Cost Share Program.

The intention behind this work is to ensure the Rule is consistent with statutory changes adopted in 2009, increase program flexibility through BWSR Board adopted policy, and reduce administrative overhead (BWSR and SWCD) through improved coordination between State Cost Share and other grant programs, such as those established through the Clean Water Fund.

The current schedule is for the rule to be adopted and be in effect on July 1, 2011 to coincide with the start of the next State fiscal year. Please see the State Cost Share Rule and Program Manual Workplan for more information on the schedule and this project. These documents are posted to receive input and comments from SWCDs and other interested parties prior to the formal Rulemaking process beginning this winter. If you have a comment or suggestion you would like considered during rule and policy development please send them, to:

Dave Weirens
Land and Water Section Manager
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
651-297-3432
David.Weirens@state.mn.us

State Cost-Share Manual

State Cost-Share Manual (See sections below)

This page includes links to the forms available in the revised State Cost-Share Program Manual. Most forms have been created in Microsoft Word.

Sample request for Cost-Share Assistance Form

This sample form can be used by SWCD staff to document requests for Cost-Share Assistance from livestock producers who have signed an Open Lot Agreement or other landowners seeking technical and financial assistance for installing conservation practices. For more information: www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/feedlots.html