Posted: 10/5/04
Commissioners back grant requests for nitrate monitoring, fair board
Houston County commissioners passed two resolutions at their September 28 meeting for groups seeking grant money.
ï The board approved a resolution approving a grant on behalf of the Houston County Agricultural Society (Fair Board) from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.
The fair board is not a 501(c)3 organization, which is why they asked the county to be the sponsoring agency.
Third district commissioner Ann Thompson said she would like to commend the fair board for all of the artistic acts that it has brought in. ìItís been such an asset to the fair.î
Fourth district commissioner Dave Corcoran echoed that praise later in the meeting. He said he had attended the fair boardís wrap-up banquet the previous night. ìThey really give it their all.î
ï The board approved a letter of support for a proposal called the Volunteer Nitrate Monitoring Network Project. The grant request is for $300,000 for three years.
The county would provide in-kind support of $13,000 over three years. In-kind money would be for office space, computer use, and supervision of a county well network coordinator. Other counties in the grant proposal are Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
The grant, if approved, will review and analyze nitrate and other ground water data, do nitrate well-testing with about 100 homeowners, and design a homeownersí well monitoring network. It will also train people in proper sampling techniques and hire network coordinators.
Drivers license exam pact
Also at the meeting, which lasted only 35 minutes:
ï The board approved a five-year agreement for drivers license exam space with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The space is in the basement of the courthouse.
ï The board approved a snowmobile grant-in-aid agreement for two snowmobile groups: Gopherland Trails, and Vikings Ridge Riders & Money Creek Snowmobile Club. The total amount is for $38,000. The money comes from license fees.
ï The board approved a tax abatement for Winona Controls.
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