(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Water Quality Commission has awarded $200,000 in grants toward various projects to improve water quality in Dickinson county. The funds will be matched against state and federal grants to provide water quality monitoring, education, coordination, best management practices, and watershed protection.
Projects and the amounts each was awarded follows:
Center Lake: $50,000
Echo Beach Park Dock Association: $100,000 (For gully and erosion repair)
Okoboji Protective Association: $20,000 (fighting aquatic invasive species)
Spirit Lake Protective Association: No more than $16,000 based on need (watershed protection near Jones Pasture)
In addition, the Water Quality Commission will contribute $29,352 to the Cleanwater Alliance for staff and various activities conducted within the watersheds of Dickinson county.
The Dickinson County Water Quality Commission was established in 2001 to provide local match money for many state and federal environmental grants. Since its beginning the commission has obligated more than $2 million in Water Quality Commission funds and has received nearly $21 million back into the county as matching funds from federal, state and local private monies.
Commissioners are appointed by the city councils and board of supervisors.
