City Council Meeting Date: December 2, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: James McDermott, Water Quality Technician
Sean Simonson, Engineering Manager
David Bennett, City Engineer/Public Works Director
Title
Consider Approving Application for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Planning Grant for Stormwater - Downtown Floodwall Design.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the application submittal for the MPCA Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience for the Downtown Floodwall Design.
Summary Report:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is providing a funding opportunity for communities to assess vulnerabilities and begin planning for the effects of Minnesota’s changing climate. This grant focuses on Stormwater, Wastewater, and Community Resilience. City Staff, if Council approves the grant application, will apply for funding to increase resilience and mitigate flooding for properties located along the west bank of the Cannon River in downtown Northfield.
In 2020, the City received a grant for a downtown flood study; the first phase of the study looked at updating Cannon River modeling and identifying properties at-risk for future flooding. A second phase of the study was completed and provided in-depth modeling and preparation of a FEMA Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA).
The BCA is a way to identify flood improvement projects that would be eligible for grant funding. The Phase II study was completed in 2023 by Council Resolution 2023-064. The City is now in Phase 3, pursuing grant funding. City Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the grant application (Attachment 1) so the City can request funding to start the plan design process for the West Bank Floodwall project.
The properties that will benefit most from this potential improvement include 205, 207, and 301 Water Street S. A recap of the proposed improvement in this area is to extend the existing floodwall an additional 415 feet, with a top of wall elevation of 904 ft, one temporary closure, and interior drainage.
If awarded, the grant funds will be used to design and assemble plans and specifications for the project.
Staff is requesting $90,000 in grant funds from the MPCA and proposing to use $10,000 from the Stormwater Fund to satisfy the 10% match requirement of the grant.
This is the last RFP for this grant for the foreseeable future and contains $1.6 Million for eligible projects throughout the state.
Alternative Options:
If Council chooses not to pursue this grant, staff will need to find another source of funds to begin the plan design phase of the project.
Financial Impacts:
Grant Funds $90,000.00
Cash Match $10,000.00 (Stormwater Fund)
Tentative Timelines:
Applications Due December 11, 2025
Project Selection February 9, 2026 (Notification by MPCA to occur within 60 days of application due date)
Project Start TBD
Project Completion June 2027 (Grant Funds must be used by June 30, 2027)