Overview
Watershed-based implementation funding is an alternative to the traditional project-by-project competitive process often used to fund water quality improvement projects.
This funding allows collaborating local governments to pursue timely solutions based on a watershed's highest priority needs.
The approach depends on comprehensive watershed management plans developed under One Watershed, One Plan program or the Metropolitan Surface or Ground Water Management framework to provide assurance that actions are prioritized, targeted and measurable.
The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is using watershed-based implementation funding to accelerate water management outcomes and improve consistency and efficiency across the state. This approach integrates available data with a reliable source of funding that helps local governments spend limited resources where they are most needed, reduces time spent on competitive grant applications and enhances science-based decision making.
Resources
- Guiding Principles
- FY22-23 Program Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Grant Profile (includes eLINK Budget Request & Work Plan Guidance, as well as links to previous policies)
- Assurance Measures Procedures for Watershed-based Implementation
- FY22-23 Approved Allocations
- Approved Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans
- Board Order #21-51
Resources for the 7-County Twin Cities Metro Area (TCMA)
General Program Policies and Resources above also apply to WBIF used in the TCMA; the following resources relate only to Metro WBIF.
- Metro Convene Process Guidance for FY22-23 (pdf)
- Metro Area Boundary Map (pdf)
- Metro SWCD Enhanced Comprehensive Plan options (pdf)
- Metro Project/Activities Template for FY22-23 (excel)