If you missed our recent meeting, here are the highlights of what was discussed: | |
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FUNDING COMMITMENTS
Information was presented regarding current funding commitments of the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) for Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) and water quality projects that are in various phases along with annually funded programs and one-time allocations. Current commitments include the following:
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FDR Projects (82%): ...................................................... $25,808,068.82
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Water Quality Program (11%): ....................................... $ 3,700,726.78
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Annually Funded Programs/One-time Allocations (7%):..$ 2,427,290.90
TOTAL Remaining Funding Commitments: ........................................$31,936,086.56
Below is an illustration of current RRWMB funding commitments as of June 2023. Annual operating expenses are not included in funding commitments.
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Myron Jesme being presented a plaque in recognition of his commitment to the RRB, his work on water management issues, and his years of service by RRWMB President John Finney. | The RRWMB recognized Myron Jesme, Administrator of the Red Lake Watershed District, who is retiring from the water management world with 40 years of experience. Myron has been active with the RRWMB and statewide committees such as the RRWMB Budget and Finance Committee, Minnesota Drainage Work Group, Minnesota Association of Watershed Administrators and various committees of that Association, and was a constant and strong voice as he represented Red River Basin (RRB) watershed districts. | | |
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2024 DRAFT OPERATING, PROGRAM, AND PROJECT BUDGET AND LEVY PREVIEW
The 2024 draft Budget as recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee, was reviewed by the Managers. The draft budget will be approved at the July 18, 2024 RRWMB meeting. The Committee is also recommending that the Red River Levy remain at 75 percent. The following are draft Budget categories for calendar year 2024:
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Operating Budget ........................................... $ 2,118,150
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Mediation Agreement ..................................... $ 340,000
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Programs ....................................................... $ 2,610,000
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Projects .......................................................... $ 8,595,000
............... TOTAL $13,663,150
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2023 BONDING ALLOCATION
Minnesota Flood Hazard Mitigation Program (FHMP) staff connected into the meeting electronically and shared information about state funds that are available through 2023 bonding allocations. The RRWMB Managers were requested to prioritize FDR projects with the funding that is available, and the following funding scenario was approved:
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City of Newfolden .................................. $5,450,000
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City of Perley ......................................... $ 625,000
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Redpath Impoundment Project .............. $4,400,000
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Roseau Lake Bottom Project ................ $1,575,000
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Klondike Clean Water Retention Project $ 250,000
...................TOTAL................................................. $12,300,000
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the FHMP and it was noted that contracts will be developed after July 1, 2023 with funding available shortly thereafter for the above projects.
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WATER QUALITY PROGRAM – BASE FUNDING AWARDS
The following watershed districts were approved for Base Funding:
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Bois de Sioux Watershed District .......................... $112,500
- Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District $112,500
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Red Lake Watershed District ................................. $112,500
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Roseau River Watershed District .......................... $112,500
.....................TOTAL .............................................................. $450,000
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EXTENSION REQUEST – ROSEAU LAKE BOTTOM PROJECT
An extension request to December 31, 2023 was approved for the Roseau Lake Bottom Project and staff from the Roseau River Watershed District indicated that the Step III Submittal will be provided to the RRWMB for review at the July 2023 RRWMB meeting. The RRWMB Technical Advisory Committee will review the Step III Submittal prior to the July 2023 board meeting.
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RIVER WATCH PROGRAM FUNDING
A contract was approved with the International Water Institute to implement the River Watch Program in an amount not to exceed $163,000 per year for two years (from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025) for a total of $326,000. This amount is the match to the funding received from the State of Minnesota for the Program.
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CONTRACT AMENDMENTS
The following contract amendments were approved by the RRWMB Managers related to project team facilitation contracts and assistance for developing an application for RRB Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) funding through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC):
- Project Team Facilitation: The RRWMB is the fiscal agent for the Flood Damage Reduction Work Group and has contracts in place with the following entities to assist RRB watershed districts with project team facilitation:
- Houston Engineering Incorporated: The contract was amended to extend it to June 30, 2025 and compensation was increased from $17,500 to $30,000.
- Minnesota Management and Budget: The contract was amended to extend it to June 30, 2025 and compensation was increased from $17,500 to $25,000.
- Moore Engineering Incorporated: A contract was approved in April 2023 to assist the RRWMB with developing a RIM application for submittal to the LSOHC. The contract was amended to extend it to August 31, 2023 and compensation was increased from $14,500 to $21,050.
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DRAINAGE WORK GROUP (DWG)
The RRWMB Managers approved legal counsel to participate in DWG meetings and committees, with the RRWMB and Minnesota Watersheds sharing the costs for legal representation 50/50. The RRWMB also approved Chad Engels of Moore Engineering Incorporated to participate on the DWG Outlet Adequacy Committee.
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TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) MEMBERSHIP
The RRWMB Managers directed the TAC to discuss potential membership and the role of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources on the TAC at its next meeting prior to the July 2023 RRWMB meeting. In addition, it was suggested that Tony Norby of Houston Engineering Incorporated replace Blake Carlson, who recently retired from Widseth.
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LEGISLATIVE COORDINATION WITH MINNESOTA WATERSHEDS (MW)
The RRWMB Managers approved a coordination document that was developed in conjunction with MW to (A) further coordinate prior to, during, and after the conclusion of Minnesota legislative sessions, (B) communicate effectively with our collective membership during legislative sessions, and (C) maximize our collective legislative resources to achieve our legislative goals and priorities. The document was also recently approved by MW and was also recommended by the RRWMB Legislative Committee.
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Next RRWMB Meeting
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the RRWMB office, Ada, MN.
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