Stormwater BMP Cost Share Program

This program provides cost share funding (partial payment) for the installation of raingardens, pervious pavement systems, rainwater capture and reuse systems, and other clean water practices on private lands. These practices capture rainwater on the landscape, preventing pollution from reaching lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Cost Share Grants for Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Who’s Eligible: Private property owners (residential, non-profit organizations, private schools and businesses, homeowner and lake associations)
Examples of Eligible Practices: Raingardens, permeable pavers, rain water capture and reuse systems, etc.
Cost Share Percentage: Grants will be awarded for up to 50% of project’s cost
Maximum Grants: $2,500 cap for residential projects. No set maximum for other proposals, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on how well the project meets program criteria.
Criteria: Grant proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Water Quality Improvement
Soil Erosion Control
Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Innovative Applications
Collaboration
Public Outreach

What is Stormwater Runoff?

In a natural environment, most rainwater soaks into the ground or is captured by trees and other plants. As land is developed, it is covered by hard surfaces – roads, parking lots and rooftops – that prevent natural infiltration, and allow water to quickly run downstream. This runoff, known as stormwater, carries dirt, fertilizer, pesticides, pet waste and debris into lakes, streams and wetlands.

Storm sewer systems, which are designed to prevent localized flooding in urban areas, also often carry polluted water into surface waters. Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one water quality problem in Minnesota and across the country.

Why use Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

The installation of raingardens, pervious pavement systems, rainwater capture and reuse systems and other clean water practices keeps polluted stormwater runoff from entering lakes, streams and wetlands. They capture or infiltrate rainwater on the landscape, preventing pollution from reaching our valuable water resources.

What is a Raingarden?

Raingardens are shallow depressions that capture stormwater and allow it to soak into the ground. Deep roots of perennial shrubs, grasses and wildflowers break up compacted soil and promote infiltration. By catching stormwater where it falls, raingardens slow runoff, prevent erosion and decrease the amount of pollution flowing downstream to lakes, streams and wetlands. Raingardens also provide beautiful landscaping - which increases property values – and much needed habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in an urban environment.

What is Pervious Pavement?

Pervious pavement functions like traditional concrete or asphalt surfaces, but allows water to seep through the pavement surface – which would otherwise be impermeable.

Pervious pavement allows water to flow into an underlying rock storage area that helps filter pollutants out of stormwater. In soils that are conducive to infiltration, pervious pavements allow water to soak into the ground, replenishing ground water. In tighter soils, the system is designed with an under drain that conveys clean water to the storm sewer system.