Item Description:
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Set Bassett Creek Watershed Mgmt Commission 2026 max levy at $2,503,500 for projects to improve water quality and reduce flooding
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2026 maximum levy for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission be set at $2,503,500; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the levy be certified to the county auditor and be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the commission.
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Background:
The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission requests a levy of $2,503,500 to fund the commission’s portion of the costs to complete three water quality projects that are priorities in the commission’s Capital Improvement Plan. The projects will achieve the commission’s goals to improve stream habitat, water quality, and flood protection. These projects will benefit the water quality of Bassett Creek, Plymouth Creek, Medicine Lake, and downstream water resources like the Mississippi River.
Descriptions of the projects to be implemented, in part, by the levy funds are:
• Bassett Creek Main Stem Restoration - Regent Avenue to Golden Valley Road (Golden Valley) - This project will stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and improve stream habitat along a 7,000-foot section of Bassett Creek. The total cost of this project is $2.24 million. The commission’s contribution will be $1.74 million, and the total levy for this project has been split over three years. An additional $500,000 will come from the City of Golden Valley and the commission’s closed projects account. The remaining $653,500 for this project is included in the 2026 levy request.
• Plymouth Creek Restoration Project Dunkirk Lane to Plymouth Ice Center (Plymouth) - This project will stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and improve stream habitat along a 7,000-foot section of Plymouth Creek. The total project cost will be $2.6 million, all of which will be paid by the commission. The commission has received $400,000 in Clean Water Fund Grant funding to support this project. The total levy for this project was split into two years. The commission requests a 2026 levy of $900,000 for this project.
• Flood Control Project Double Box Culvert Repairs (Minneapolis) - This project will address needed repairs along the 5,600-foot Bassett Creek tunnel. The Double Box Culvert is part of a system of storm sewer tunnels that convey Bassett Creek through downtown Minneapolis to the Mississippi River. This project will help reduce flood risk to structures and infrastructure. The total project cost will be $1.5 million, all of which will be paid by the commission. The total levy for this project will be split into two years. The commission requests a 2026 levy of $950,000 for this project. Additional funds will be levied next year.
Levies authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.251 are exempt from any statutory limitation on taxes. A county levying a tax under Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.251 shall not include that tax in the county’s general levy but shall separately certify that amount to the county auditor. The county auditor shall extend that levy as a special taxing district. The commission must certify its final levies to the county auditor prior to October 1, 2025.
Current Request:
This request is to set the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission 2026 maximum levy at $2,503,500 for projects that will improve water quality and stream habitat.
This request also establishes that the levy be certified to the county auditor and be placed on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the commission.
Impact/Outcomes:
Projects in this request will improve stream habitat and water quality in Bassett Creek, Plymouth Creek, Medicine Lake, and downstream resources like the Mississippi River. The Flood Control Project Double Box Culvert Repairs project will occur in an area identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an area of environmental justice concern and will help reduce flood risk to structures and infrastructure.
This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by enhancing stormwater management systems and mitigating the flooding risks that climate change poses to our infrastructure and more vulnerable people.
Approval of this request will allow certification of the maximum levy to the county auditor for inclusion in Truth in Taxation statement.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval