However, the regional projects are competing statewide for limited funds. We're starting to see a lot of applications from established watersheds. They're building on past success. The MPCA, in coordination with other agencies, reviews the applications and awards the funds.
Work is divided into two phases.
The first involves testing to assess water quality. Results of that research lead to the second phase of working on water quality improvement projects. These include reclaiming wetlands, agricultural best management practices, stabilizing stream banks, buffer strips along sensitive areas, and drainage tile intake protection, among others. In addition to MPCA staff, the Project Coordination Team includes representatives from Department of Natural Resources, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Transportation, along with other state and federal agencies. Grant awards will be announced in mid-January.