Multipurpose Drainage Management
Multipurpose Drainage Management supports Minnesota local governments' agricultural drainage improvements to reduce pollution, flooding and erosion while protecting drainage efficiency.
Funder: Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Quarterly) | February 25, 2027 (Quarterly) | May 27, 2027 (Final); submissions due by 4:30 p.m. Central
Funding Amounts: $394,507 available as of September 28, 2026; 10% match required
Summary: Supports Minnesota drainage management practices that improve water quality and reduce flooding and erosion while protecting drainage efficiency.
Key Information: Projects must benefit a priority Chapter 103E drainage system; wetland creation and restoration require a perpetual easement.
Description
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) administers this competitive Clean Water Fund program to combine agricultural drainage management with water quality improvements. It targets critical pollution source areas to reduce erosion, sedimentation, peak flows and flooding while protecting drainage system efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
The program supports eligible practices on fields, farms and drainage systems associated with priority Chapter 103E drainage systems. Work can include runoff control structures, wetland creation or restoration, controlled drainage, saturated buffers and denitrifying bioreactors. The approach recognizes the importance of drainage for agricultural production while addressing its effects on hydrology, stream stability and aquatic habitat. Grants provide external funding for improvements beyond requirements of Minnesota drainage law.
