Purpose

• Provide funding for a water quality project in the city of Beardsley.
• Use the funds to remove, replace, or repair a portion of a drain line in the gravity pipe system that removes excess water from Dry Lake.
• The overall goal is to improve water quality and prevent flooding.
• The project must be undertaken in coordination with the Upper Minnesota River Watershed District.

Main Provisions

• In fiscal year 2026, an appropriation of $500,000 from the Clean Water Fund is granted to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).
• The grant is to be provided to the City of Beardsley for the described drain line project.
• The drain line project involves removing and replacing or repairing a portion of the gravity pipe system designed to remove excess water from Dry Lake.
• The intended outcomes are improved water quality and reduced flood risk.
• The City of Beardsley must coordinate the project with the Upper Minnesota River Watershed District.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a targeted appropriation from the Clean Water Fund for a specific Beardsley water quality project (no broad statutory changes to pollution standards or regulatory requirements).
• Sets a condition that funding be used in collaboration with the Upper Minnesota River Watershed District.

Implementation/Administration

• Funds are administered as a grant from BWSR to the City of Beardsley.
• The project must be carried out in coordination with the Upper Minnesota River Watershed District, ensuring local watershed involvement in planning and execution.

Potential Impacts

• Aims to reduce flooding risk in Beardsley by improving drainage efficiency.
• Seeks to enhance local water quality by addressing excess water from Dry Lake.
• May affect nearby residents and land use through drainage improvements and related construction.

Relevant Terms

• Clean Water Fund
• Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
• City of Beardsley
• drain line
• gravity pipe system
• Dry Lake
• water quality
• flooding
• Upper Minnesota River Watershed District
• fiscal year 2026
• appropriation
• grant
• Beardsley water quality project