What is a Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP)?

To be considered eligible for a Stormwater BMP grant, the project must be listed within and meet the specifications described in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. Examples of stormwater BMPs include:

• Rain garden
• Tree trench
• Stormwater sand filter
• Bioretention basin
• Infiltration basin
• Vegetated swale
• Infiltration trench
• Permeable pavement
• Green roof

Who May Apply?

Residents, non-profits, businesses, schools, and local goverment units (LGUs) may apply. The project area must be located on property owned by the applicant.

Maximum Grant Award

• Residents: Up to 75% of cost up to $5,000.
• Non-profits: Up to 75% of cost up to $20,000
• Businesses, schools, and LGUs: Up to 50% of cost up to $50,000

Approved Uses of Funds

Funds may be used for approved stormwater BMPs such as a rain garden, tree trench, and more.

If you are doing work that is required as part of a permit from the watershed district, you cannot use any grant funds (from the District or other organization) for this work. However, you may use grant funds for a stormwater BMP or components thereof that go above and beyond basic permit requirements. The other exception is bioengineering components of a shoreline stabilization, even if a permit is required.

Maximum Allowable Costs

To maximize value per dollar but still allow flexibility for grantees in materials selection, maximum allowable cost has been set.

Eligibility for In-Kind Credit or Professional Maintenance Funds

A Stormwater BMP may qualify for in-kind credit if it's planned for during the application process and approved by the grant coordinator. Only homeowners and non-profit groups qualify for in-kind credit.

If a Stormwater BMP includes a 250-square-foot or larger native vegetation planting (habitat restoration), then that portion of the project may qualify for professional maintenance support. Only homeowners and non-profit groups qualify for professional maintenance support.

Requirements

• The project must NOT be a BMP required by a permit project. However, a BMP that goes above and beyond permit requirements or the cost difference of an BMP upgrade is eligible for grant funds.
• A civil design plan or technical drawing must be submitted with the grant application. This typically requires involvement of an engineer, landscape architect, or knowledgeable advisor.
• A site visit during construction of the project is required. This is in addition to any initial site visit and project close-out site visit.

Maximize Your Grant Award

Because stormwater BMP projects can very greatly, the watershed district does not have a scoring sheet for this type of project. Due to high interest from residents about rain gardens, we have developed a rain garden score sheet: