DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Submit Minnesota Department Of Health Safe Drinking Water For Private Well Users Grant Application
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received funding from the Clean Water Fund to ensure safe drinking water for private well users; and
WHEREAS, funding is being offered as grants to promote private well testing among private well users and to provide financial assistance to eligible households to address private well water quality issues; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to apply for the grant to help support the established Dakota County private well testing programs and build upon the Drinking Water Treatment System Pilot Grant Program established by Resolution No. 22-167 (April 19, 2022); and
WHEREAS, the program will be developed in collaboration with the Environmental Resources Department, the Public Health Department, and the Soil and Water Conservation District; and
WHEREAS, the program will include all the following required elements: outreach to diverse groups of private well users; low- or no-cost private well testing for five common contaminants (arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, manganese, and nitrate); a process for collecting water quality testing; and financial assistance and technical assistance to eligible households on private wells to address contaminant issue; and
WHEREAS, this effort is in support of the Dakota County Groundwater Plan strategy 1A3 to “assist private well owners in having their drinking water tested, understanding their results, and using appropriate water treatment”; and
WHEREAS, no grant match is required; however, it is anticipated that a match will be provided through the implementation of existing private well testing programs; and
WHEREAS, the grant application deadline is February 16, 2024, and the grant expiration date is May 1, 2027.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes staff to submit a Minnesota Department of Health Safe Drinking Water for Private Well Users grant application for an amount up to $100,000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if the grant is awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners herby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute the grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form, and to amend the 2024 Environmental Resources Department Operations budget.
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