Politics & Government

Shutdown Shouldn't Hurt Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The district's own tax levy funds most programs.

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District should escape most effects of a state government shutdown.

“We will stay open and conduct business as usual,” watershed district spokeswoman Telly Mamayek said in an e-mail interview.

The watershed district funds its work primarily through its own tax levy, “with a very small amount coming from state funding.

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“Some grant-related activities also could be affected, but the District doesn’t have any major programs that depend on state grants in 2010 and 2011,” Mamayek said. 

A Department of Natural Resources shutdown would not have a rollover impact on the district either.  

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A shutdown would slow projects that need state approval, but effects should be minimal in the short term because most of the district’s current projects are still in the design phase and because most capital improvement projects are done in the winter.

Regulatory action would also be delayed if there is a wetland violation that requires state involvement.

“While the MCWD is concerned about the effect of a shutdown on the District’s residents, it will not have a direct impact on the MCWD’s operations,” Mamayek said.


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