Diversion authority approves 50/50 local match policy to support Morehead lift-station grant applications

The Metro Flood Diversion Authority on June 15 approved an amendment that establishes a 50/50 local-match approach for certain grant applications, a step staff said improved the authority’s competitiveness in securing matching funds in Minnesota.

Kevin and finance-committee members described the change as a housekeeping amendment to allow the City of Morehead to pursue state and federal grant opportunities for lift stations identified as projects 7 and 11. Discussion noted a $9 million statewide fund (competitive), a potential federal project size of $7 million (with applicants seeking about $5.6 million at 80%), and that the authority would match available awards on a 50/50 basis where appropriate.

Commissioners moved and seconded the amendment and the board approved it by roll call. Staff said they will pursue matches as far as available funds and bring specific grant applications and terms back to the board as needed.

Why it matters: The amendment clarifies the authority’s willingness to provide local matching dollars for specific upstream lift-station projects, which can influence grant competitiveness and the pace of upstream mitigation work.

What’s next: Staff will support Morehead’s grant submittals, report award outcomes, and return to the board for final match approvals tied to any specific grant award.