Multipurpose Drainage Management
Multipurpose Drainage Management supports Minnesota counties and conservation and watershed districts in funding practices that improve water quality, reduce flooding, and protect drainage efficiency.
Funder: Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Quarterly applications) | February 25, 2027 (Quarterly applications) | May 27, 2027 (Quarterly applications)
Funding Amounts: $394,507 available as of September 28, 2026; at least 10% non-state match required
Summary: Supports Minnesota drainage management practices that improve water quality, reduce erosion and flooding, and protect agricultural drainage efficiency.
Key Information: Practices must benefit a priority Chapter 103E drainage system; wetland projects require a drainage-authority-held perpetual easement.
Description
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) administers Multipurpose Drainage Management grants using Clean Water Funds. The program supports practices that reduce erosion and sedimentation, reduce peak flows and flooding, and improve water quality while protecting drainage system efficiency and reducing maintenance needs. It focuses on priority Chapter 103E drainage systems with documented sediment or water quality concerns.
Funding supports specified conservation practices, including wetland creation and restoration, grassed waterways, sediment control basins, improved tile inlets, controlled drainage, saturated buffers, and denitrifying bioreactors. Technical assistance, engineering, project support, and administration necessary for implementation are also eligible. The program brings agricultural drainage needs together with downstream water quality and habitat benefits, rather than funding drainage infrastructure alone.
