DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Submit Two 2026-2027 Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application To Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize to submit two Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Applications to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for (1) a Stormwater and Forestry Minnesota GreenCorps Member to support chloride reduction efforts and (2) a Waste Reduction and Recycling Minnesota GreenCorps Member to support waste reduction and reuse initiatives. If awarded, authorize the Environmental Resources Department Director to execute the Host Site Agreements.
SUMMARY
The MPCA, in partnership with the AmeriCorps Program, developed the Minnesota GreenCorps Program (Program) as a statewide initiative to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. The Program anticipates placing 58 AmeriCorps members with host sites to assist local governments in addressing environmental priorities. The MPCA administers the recruitment and application process and provides funding for member positions to serve approximately 40 hours per week at host sites for 11 months from September 2026 to August 2027. Government agencies (local, regional, state, and tribal), school districts, public education institutions, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit a Host Site Application.
The Environmental Resources Department proposes to submit two Host Site Applications to apply for GreenCorps members to support:
(1) Implementation of the 2020-2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan, strategy 1B4 to “prevent groundwater contamination from chloride.” Dakota County most recently hosted a Minnesota GreenCorps member (Member) during the 2024-2025 cohort, which led to the development of the Low Salt No Salt Chloride Reduction Program <https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/WaterResources/Stormwater/Pages/low-salt-no-salt.aspx>. Proposed activities for the Stormwater and Forestry GreenCorps member focus on strengthening the implementation of the Dakota County Low Salt No Salt Program and advancing other chloride reduction initiatives in collaboration with partners. Efforts will include serving as a resource for the review of current county practices related to chloride use, providing education and outreach to residents and large deicing salt users to encourage commitments to reduce salt, and evaluating and identifying smart salting opportunities at Dakota County facilities.
(2) Implementation of waste reduction strategies in the 2024-2044 Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan, including strategy 12 to “launch bi-annual sustainable consumption challenges for residents,” strategy 13 “to implement a formal county sustainable purchasing policy,” and strategy 22 to “implement residential waste reduction and reuse programs and opportunities.” Proposed activities for the Waste Reduction and Recycling GreenCorps member will help expand waste reduction and reuse opportunities in county operations and facilitate research and implementation of best practice resident education and outreach to prevent wasted food, reduce waste, and increase reuse in the community.
The application deadline is March 24, 2026. If chosen, Dakota County will need to enter into a Host Site Agreement with the MPCA.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the County Board authorize staff to submit two Host Site Applications for a Minnesota GreenCorps Member.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There is no financial commitment to participate in the Program; however, Dakota County is expected to provide in-kind contributions. The host site is responsible for in-kind contributions of $600 for each member for registration fees for trainings, webinars, conferences, or events. In addition, in-kind contributions for each member for operating, equipment, and mileage costs are estimated at $3,000 for the 11-month period. Costs will be paid out of the Environmental Legacy Fund.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in partnership with the AmeriCorps Program, developed the Minnesota GreenCorps Program (Program) as a statewide initiative to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals; and
WHEREAS, the Program anticipates placing 58 AmeriCorps members with host sites to assist local governments in addressing environmental priorities for 11 months from September 2026 to August 2027; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to submit two Host Site Applications to apply for a GreenCorps member; and
WHEREAS, the first application is for a Stormwater and Forestry Minnesota GreenCorps member to support implementation of the 2020-2030 Dakota County Groundwater Plan, strategy 1B4 to “prevent groundwater contamination from chloride”; and
WHEREAS, proposed activities include strengthening implementation of the Dakota County Low Salt No Salt Program; advancing other chloride reduction initiatives in collaboration with partners; reviewing current county practices related to chloride use; conducting education and outreach to residents and large deicing salt users to encourage commitments to reduce salt; and evaluating and identifying smart salting opportunities at Dakota County facilities; and
WHEREAS, the second application is for a Waste Reduction and Recycling Minnesota GreenCorps member to support implementation of the 2024-2044 Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan, strategy 12 to “launch bi-annual sustainable consumption challenges for residents,” strategy 13 to “to implement a formal county sustainable purchasing policy,” and strategy 22 to “implement residential waste reduction and reuse programs and opportunities”; and
WHEREAS, proposed activities for the Waste Reduction and Recycling Minnesota GreenCorps Member include expanding waste reduction and reuse opportunities in county operations and facilitating research and implementation of best practice resident education and outreach to prevent wasted food, reduce waste, and increase reuse in the community; and
WHEREAS, the application deadline is March 24, 2026; and
WHEREAS, if selected, Dakota County is expected to provide in-kind contributions in the form of supervision, training, and operating and equipment costs associated with hosting a Minnesota GreenCorps member, estimated at $3,600 for each member.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes staff to submit two Host Site Applications for a Stormwater and Forestry Minnesota GreenCorps member to support chloride reduction efforts and a Waste Reduction and Recycling Minnesota GreenCorps member to support waste reduction and reuse initiatives from September 2026 to August 2027; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if the application is awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Director to execute Host Site Agreements with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.