BWSR works with local and federal conservation partners to respond immediately during flooding events by providing available state funds and technical assistance to support the recovery effort. Staff in local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are key partners, as they conduct preliminary damage assessments and begin work to complete key projects.
2012 Flood Recovery Information and Resources
August 2012
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BWSR response to June 2012 flood
June storm events and follow-up federal and state action
During the time period of June 14-21, 2012, severe storms and flooding caused damage to infrastructure, private/public property and natural environments in several Minnesota counties. A Presidential Major Disaster was declared (FEMA, DR-4069) on July 6, 2012.
Counties and tribal lands included in the declaration are: Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Goodhue, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lake, Meeker, Pine, Rice, Sibley, St. Louis, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
Anticipating the passage of the disaster relief bill, the BWSR Board approved two flood-related resolutions and a 2012 Flood Policy at its meeting on August 23, 2012:
1) BWSR Flood Relief Resolution
2) BWSR 2012 Flood Relief Cost Share Disaster Recovery Program Policy
3) WCA Alternative Emergency Standards (more information below)
On Friday, August 24, 2012, Governor Mark Dayton signed a $167 million disaster relief bill passed earlier in the day by a Special Session of the Minnesota State Legislature. Related to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the bill included:
1. Disaster Relief Funding
2. Authority to establish Wetland Conservation Act alternative standards
Disaster Relief Funding
BWSR was appropriated a total of $12.5 million, in the following components.
Erosion, and Sediment Control, Water Quality and Watershed Protection Projects - $11 million
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 12A.05, Subd. 2, these funds are for a disaster recovery program to install, repair, or rehabilitate erosion and sediment control, water quality and watershed protection projects in the disaster area. The appropriation language indicates that priority use of these funds shall be to supplement or match federal funds whenever possible and practical. Note that primary federal and state funding sources for public infrastructure disaster response include FEMA Public Assistance funds, associated state matching funds through the Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation funds and Department of Natural Resources funds. The federal Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program administered by NRCS may also be a funding source for either public or private infrastructure protection. Flood related erosion control practices needed on agricultural land may be eligible for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) administered by NRCS. BWSR funding should not be used in place of other eligible funding sources.
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Conservation Easements - $1.5 million
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 12A.05, Subd. 1, these funds are to acquire easements from landowners on marginal or damaged lands in the disaster area to provide flood attenuation, restore and protect soil and water resources, and to support related fish and wildlife habitat, as provided in Section 103F.515. These easements are required to be perpetual.
There will be two steps in disaster relief funding:
1. Initial allocations to Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for erosion, sediment and water quality control project
In order to immediately address highest priority flood response needs in the affected counties, BWSR will initially allocate approximately $1 million in funding for erosion, sediment and water quality control projects based on preliminary damage assessments and requests from the SWCD.
Grant questions can be directed to Wayne Zellmer, 651-297-7361 or wayne.zellmer@state.mn.us.
2. Grant process for remaining cost-share for erosion, sediment and water quality control projects and RIM funding
Local government units and others will apply through the Minnesota Recovers Task Force (MRTF) process for remaining funds and RIM funds. The Minnesota Recovers Task Force will ensure applicants meet the eligibility criteria to receive state assistance funds and coordinate eligible funding sources. To apply, download the Request for Assistance Application Form (application begins on page 4). Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2012.
Application questions can be directed to John Moore, Chair, MRTF: 651-201-7453 or john.moore@state.mn.us.
BWSR has also provided additional guidance for prioritizing streambank and hillside stabilization for erosion, sediment and water quality control projects.
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Alternative Emergency Procedures
The disaster relief bills (House File 1 and 2) granted BWSR the authority to establish alternative WCA procedures when needed to accomplish timely response to the counties affected by the June 2012 flood events. The WCA Emergency Alternative Standards are effective immediately for Aitkin, Carlton, Lake, Pine, and St. Louis Counties through August 31, 2013.
Wetland Conservation Action Alternative Emergency Standards
Questions can be directed to Les Lemm, 651-296-6057 or les.lemm@state.mn.us.
2011 Flood Recovery Information and Resources
- MN Recovers - Updated flooding-related information for the state of Minnesota
- Engineer's Report - Streambank Flood Damage Feasibility Analysis, Kellogg, MN (WHKS report, January 2011)
- Brief Analysis of Flooding in Minnesota - Report produced by BWSR in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (March 2011)
BWSR participates in the following joint powers organizations that work to facilitate flood-recovery efforts and to develop strategies to proactively reduce flood damage:
- Red River Watershed Management Board Flood Damage Recovery Work Group
- Red River Basin Commission Long Term Flood Solutions Committees
2007-2010
- Photos of 2010 flooding in Southern Minnesota, including photos of conservation practices (Updated March 2011)
- Southeast Minnesota Flood Recovery - 2009 Progress Report
(February 2010) - Southeast Minnesota Conservation Flood Recovery 2007-2008 (September 2008)
- BWSR Featured Project: Cost-Share Grant to Cook County For Flood Recovery (October 2009)
