Cost Share Programs

The Pelican River Watershed District is providing cost share financial assistance for low-cost projects to promote efforts that protect and improve water and natural resources. Cost share funds can be used by public or private landowners within the District for implementing projects that assist in one or all of the following:

• Protect or Restore Quality of Lakes and Rivers
• Protect or Restore Native Plant Communities and Wildlife Habitats with Emphasis on Lakes
• Shore Land and Streambank Restoration Projects
• Innovative Approaches to Treat Stormwater at the Source

Available Funding

Funding is a 75% match of eligible expenses with a maximum of:

• $1,000 for single family homes.
• $2,000 for condo or apartment complexes.
• $3,000 for religious organizations, public and private schools, local government agencies, private businesses

A minimum funding request of $250.

Applications are accepted year-round from organizations/individuals for one cost share grant per year. PROJECT COST SHARE FUNDING IS A REIMBURSEMENT.  The District reserves the right to fund partial or full request amounts based upon the project merits and as funds are available. Funding for this program will be reviewed and granted yearly by the PRWD Board of Managers. After all program requirements have been met, approved, and the project is completed, funds will be dispersed to the program participant(s). Completion of the project MUST be within one (1) year of approved and signed agreement unless a written extension had been granted by the District.

Eligible Projects

• Raingardens
• Vegetated Swales
• Native shoreline restorations
• Buffers
• Stabilizers

Eligible Expenses:

The District may fund partial or full amount of the requested cost share amount. Any project that is under construction or completed at the time of approval is not eligible. Types of eligible expenses include Minnesota native plants (trees, seeding, plant plugs, shrubs) and erosion control and planting materials such as coir logs, erosion matting and blankets, mulch, and anything else deemed appropriate by the PRWD. For raingardens and vegetated swales, some native cultivars and non-natives may be reimbursed, but must be included in the plant list application and be pre-approved by the District.

Ineligible Expenses:

Consulting fees for technical assistance and labor costs are not eligible for reimbursement in this program. Walkways, pavers, rip rap, docks and non-native or invasive plants are also not eligible. Any expenses not deemed an environmental benefit will be ineligible for cost share assistance. Funding will not be considered if the project is a requirement of any federal, state, or local government entity regulation such as the Pelican River Watershed Management Rules, City of Detroit Lakes and Becker County Shoreland Ordinances, as well as a variance, conditional use, required mitigation, or correction of a violation of those regulations.

Application Process

PRWD must receive all of the following before consideration to enter into a Cost Share Agreement with landowners:

1. An entire site concept plan, including areas of proposed improvements.
2. Photos of the project area.
3. Provide a plant estimate, work plan and timeline.
4. A complete PRWD Cost Share Application.
5. Copies of all necessary permits and approvals must be provided after approval.

Reimbursement Process

Within 30 days of completion of the project, the applicant will submit the following for reimbursement consideration:

1. A final report including the work plan, timeline and budget submitted as part of the application.
2. A copy of paid receipts/invoices.

PRWD will verify that work was completed as proposed and recommend either approval or denial of reimbursement to the Board of Managers at their next monthly meeting.

Any questions?  We’re here to help!  Give us a call at 218-846-0436 or email prwdinfo@arvig.net  The staff at PRWD would be happy to walk you through the process.