DAKOTA SWCD RECEIVES STATE CLEAN WATER FUND GRANT FOR STREAMBANK AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS

In partnership with Dakota County, the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization, and the City of Mendota Heights, the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) received a $585,000 Clean Water Fund Grant for the Interstate Valley Creek (IVC) Streambank Stabilization and Stormwater Best Management Practices project. This project will install streambank stabilizations and stormwater treatment practices to reduce stormwater volume, minimize erosion, and provide cleaner water in both Interstate Valley Creek and the Mississippi River.

Interstate Valley Creek runs through Valley Park in Mendota Heights, which is a valuable regional amenity and natural area. The Park is receiving significant investments from both the City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County in separate adjacent natural areas restoration projects as well as through upgrading the trail along the stream corridor to be part of the new Dakota County River to River Greenway.
Clean water projects to be implemented were prioritized through a larger study of the watershed that identified opportunities to reduce pollutants (sediment & phosphorus) entering the stream. Project compatibility with the planned Greenway project and limited construction access along the trail corridor were considered with project partners. The merger of these two projects allows implementation of the streambank stabilization and stormwater practices as well as construction of the Greenway in the same project area, creating cost savings in engineering and construction.

This project provides a comprehensive approach to local and regional water resources, natural resource planning, agency cross-coordination, and merging of recreation and water quality goals. Each of the partners is providing a financial or in-kind contribution (or both) to the project.

Design and engineering is underway for the projects with installation of the streambank stabilization projects, stormwater projects, and River to River Greenway in Valley Park planned for 2024 and 2025.

Click HERE for more project information.