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Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority Phase I Pilot. Project Update May 23, 2012. Pilot Project Background. Watershed Management Authority (WMA) new in Iowa – legislation (HF 2459) authorizing in 2011 Goal: improve water quality & mitigate floods at watershed level
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Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority Phase I Pilot Project Update May 23, 2012
Pilot Project Background • Watershed Management Authority (WMA) new in Iowa – legislation (HF 2459) authorizing in 2011 • Goal: improve water quality & mitigate floods at watershed level • Requires multi-jurisdictional planning, communication, and coordination to accomplish • Pilot project through IEDA & IDNR – form WMAs in six watersheds in six months time.
Political Subdivisions • Linn County • City of Marion • City of Cedar Rapids • City of Hiawatha • City of Robins • City of Alburnett • Linn Soil & Water Conservation District
WMA Committee • Bill Micheel; Linn County • Dan Whitlow & Todd Steigerwaldt; Marion • David Scanlan & Tera Prucha; Cedar Rapids • Mark Powers; Hiawatha • Matt Johnson; Robins • Chester Schantz; Alburnett • John Bruene, Jon Gallagher, Bruce Frana; Linn County SWCD
Benefits of Indian Creek WMA • Watershed level assessment & planning • Increased communication & coordination • Enhanced recreational opportunities • Public education • Increased community involvement • Better position for funding opportunities
Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority • Communicate with political subdivisions in the watershed • Developed 28E Agreement language • Draft 28E Agreement reviewed by counsel representing political subdivisions • Presenting 28E Agreement & seeking input
WMA Agreement • Defines the watershed and the eligible members for Indian Creek Watershed WMA • Provides framework with flexibility – closely linked to authorizing legislation • Does NOT create a separate legal entity • Establishes a board of directors
Agreement Highlights - Purpose • Purpose = “enable cooperation in watershed planning and improvements for the mutual advantage of the political subdivisions involved” • List in Agreement provides a basis for future goal setting efforts
Agreement Highlights – Powers & Duties • Members will undertake specific responsibilities as appropriate • Examples: • serve as applicant/fiscal agent for grants • contract for service • provide in-kind support • bid/administer a project
Agreement Highlights – Financing & Administration • WMA not separate entity = no separate budget • No funding mechanism set • Provides for flexibility • Members will establish funding mechanism & administrative duties through Board of Directors
Agreement Highlights – Board of Directors • Each Member appoints one representative • First task – develop by-laws • By-laws will address Board officers, terms, meetings, administrative functions • Second task – apply for Phase II funding to develop a watershed management plan
Next Steps • Finalize 28E Agreement document • Political subdivisions adopt 28E Agreement forming Indian Creek WMA • Provide sample resolution language • Schedule agenda item for June or July meetings • Establish Board of Directors • Draft by-laws • Host board training session • Pursue Phase II funding for watershed management plan
Questions or comments? Jennifer Fencl East Central Iowa Council of Governments 319-365-9941 ext. 131 jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org