Mississippi River Shoreline Erosion Control Plan

In late 2015, the City engaged the services of the Anoka Conservation District (ACD) to conduct an inventory of the Mississippi River bank to assess the impacts of erosion.  Subsequently, an item entitled "Create a Shoreline Erosion Control Plan for the Mississippi River" was incorporated into the Environmental Policy Board's (EPB) Work Plan.  The intent was to utilize the inventory data and attempt to work with the most impacted property owners to complete shoreline stabilization projects.  These projects would not only prevent further loss of property (washing into the river) but would also help improve water quality (sediment reduction).  

Staff contacted the ACD to explore potential funding options for riverbank stabilization projects with willing, interested, and impacted property owners.  The ACD solid track record of successfully obtaining Clean Water Fund grant funds to complete bank stabilization projects (albeit, typically on public lands).  This funding source is ideal because not only can the funds be applied toward the construction and installation costs, but they can also be utilized for the engineering/design costs.  Other possible funding options include Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and Conservation Partners Legacy (both on under the umbrella of the Outdoor Heritage Fund) and Watershed Based Implementation Funding.

Staff has invited Mitch Haustein, Stormwater and Shoreland Specialist with the ACD, to attend the meeting, provide an overview of the 2015 shoreline inventory, outline potential funding options, and summarize a potential draft proposal to not only pursue grant funds but also implement one or more stabilization projects as well.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

No action required; for informational purposes only.