County conservationist: $368,000 in reimbursements and a one-time state staffing boost

County Conservationist Mary Jo Gingras told the committee her office had received roughly $368,000 in grant reimbursements in the past month and is preparing a major grant application to the state’s Targeted Runoff Management program to support a manure-storage project valued at more than $200,000.

Gingras also reported that, for the first time, state funding covering chapter 92 staffing allocations will be fully funded this year through a one-time $14 million statewide increase. She estimated the county will see roughly a $30,000 increase in staffing funds for the next two years; she described the funding as a one-time boost rather than a permanent base increase.

Gingras said staff will continue to pursue competitive grants and that she will be attending a national conservation districts conference to present local program achievements. Committee members asked for more detail on grants and praised recent collaborative events the office hosted, including a Lake Superior-focused symposium attended by the governor.

Why it matters: The reimbursements and state boost increase local capacity for conservation work and may help the county staff pursue larger competitive projects. Gingras noted the state boost is time-limited and that the office will continue lobbying efforts for sustained base funding.

The committee did not take formal action on the grants report but acknowledged the positive fiscal developments and encouraged continued pursuit of targeted grant funding.