DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Grant Agreement For Select Committee On Recycling And Environment Funding For Solid Waste Programming
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, metropolitan counties are responsible for implementing solid waste management policy and programs to achieve state goals for waste management (Minn. Stat. § 115A.551); and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has grant agreements with counties to distribute mandated Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) grant funding to counties based on population that support county solid waste reduction and recycling programming (Minn. Stat. § 115A.557); and
Whereas, by Resolution No. 25-456 (September 23, 2025), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2024-2044 Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan (Solid Waste Management Plan) which includes a tactic to continue to use state funding (e.g., SCORE) to implement county waste abatement programs; and
WHEREAS, Minn. Stat. § 116.03 authorizes the MPCA to execute grant agreements with counties for funding distribution; and
WHEREAS, the fiscal year 2022-2026 MPCA Grant Agreement with Dakota County for SCORE funding distribution expired June 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a new MPCA Grant Agreement to continue to receive SCORE funding; and
WHEREAS, the term of the new MPCA Grant Agreement for SCORE funding distribution to Dakota County will be effective July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager, or delegate, to execute a Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment funding through June 30, 2031, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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BACKGROUND
Dakota County uses Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) funding to implement state-required programs and services as part of the County’s Solid Waste Management Plan. To be eligible for funding, state law and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Grant Agreement (Attached) require the County to:
• Manage funds in a separate account,
• Use funds on eligible solid waste programming including waste reduction, recycling and composting activities,
• Provide a 25% funding match,
• Submit an annual report, and
• Have an approved solid waste management plan.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing the County Manager, or delegate, to execute a Grant Agreement with the MPCA to receive state-mandated SCORE funding through June 30, 2031.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
The Grant Agreement is included in the Approved 2026 Budget and the County Manager’s Recommended 2027 Budget, including the Environmental Legacy Fund allocation that is used to meet the required 25% match. There is no staffing impact; existing staff will perform solid waste programming work.
|
Fund |
Department |
Funding Source |
2026 Approved Budget |
2027 Proposed Budget |
July 2026-June 2031 Total Estimated Revenue/Expense |
|
Environmental Legacy |
Environmental Resources |
State SCORE Funding (revenue) |
$1,548,000 |
$1,548,000 |
$7,800,000 |
|
Environmental Legacy |
Environmental Resources |
Environmental Legacy Match (solid waste programming expense) |
$387,000 |
$387,000 |
$1,950,000 |
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-456; 9/23/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Grant Agreement
CONTACTS
Department Director: Nikki Stewart
Author: Renee Burman