The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) invests in capital improvement projects that protect or improve water resources. The VRWJPO will lead implementation efforts to accomplish specific projects in the Watershed Plan.

The VRWJPO also partners with stakeholders to implement projects of mutual interest and watershed-wide benefits. Capital improvement projects that restore or protect the watershed’s natural resources are eligible for VRWJPO funding.

A competitive application process will determine which projects will get funded and how much funding will be provided. Complete an application.

All completed capital improvement projects installed with VRWJPO funds are identified on an interactive map. Stars represent specific projects and are linked to a fact sheet or project photographs. The map allows landowners interested in Capital Improvement Project technical or financial assistance to see what types of projects the VRWJPO funds, the cost of similar projects, and the environmental benefits the project provided.

The VRWJPO received several grants to implement large-scale projects funded through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008. Some of the projects were implemented using Clean Water Fund grants, administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). For more information about the VRWJPO projects that used Clean Water Fund grants, see the Clean Water Stories. Projects, both completed and in progress, funded through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, include:

• Flint Hills Ravine Restoration Project (completed)
• Lakeville’s King Park Stormwater Reuse Project-Phase 2 (completed)
• Lake Marion Phosphorus Reduction Project (completed)
• Farmington’s Rambling River Park Stream Habitat Restoration Project (complete)
• South Creek Stream Habitat Restoration Project (complete)
• Lake Alimagnet Stormwater Pond LA2-A Iron-Enhanced Sand Filter Retrofit (in progress)
• Lake Marion/County Road 50 Phosphorus Reduction Project (in progress)
• South Branch/County Road 78 Nitrate Reduction Project (in progress)
• South Creek Hydrodynamic Separator Sediment Reduction Project (in progress)
• South Creek Temperature Reduction Project (in progress)

The Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) accepts grant applications year-round for projects that educate and engage people in protecting or improving water quality and natural resources.

The maximum grant is $5,000. Examples of events and activities considered for a grant are projects that engage neighborhood groups or local organizations such as: redirecting runoff from downspouts onto lawns; installing water quality improvement projects; hosting clean-up events, removing invasive plants; planting native species; stenciling storm drains; making and distributing rain barrels; and other projects that involve citizens in actively addressing water management issues.

Applications are welcome from communities, organizations, and businesses within the Vermillion River Watershed.

More information, including how to apply for a grant, is included in the stewardship grant guidelines. Download the application.