Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority Phase I Pilot Project Update May 23, 2012

Pilot Project Background Watershed Management Authority (WMA) new in Iowa – legislation (HF 2459) authorizing in 2011 Goal: improve water quality & mitigate floods at watershed level Requires multi-jurisdictional planning, communication, and coordination to accomplish Pilot project through IEDA & IDNR – form WMAs in six watersheds in six months time.

Political Subdivisions Linn County City of Marion City of Cedar Rapids City of Hiawatha City of Robins City of Alburnett Linn Soil & Water Conservation District

WMA Committee Bill Micheel; Linn County Dan Whitlow & Todd Steigerwaldt; Marion David Scanlan & Tera Prucha; Cedar Rapids Mark Powers; Hiawatha Matt Johnson; Robins Chester Schantz; Alburnett John Bruene, Jon Gallagher, Bruce Frana; Linn County SWCD

Benefits of Indian Creek WMA Watershed level assessment & planning Increased communication & coordination Enhanced recreational opportunities Public education Increased community involvement Better position for funding opportunities

Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority Communicate with political subdivisions in the watershed Developed 28E Agreement language Draft 28E Agreement reviewed by counsel representing political subdivisions Presenting 28E Agreement & seeking input

WMA Agreement Defines the watershed and the eligible members for Indian Creek Watershed WMA Provides framework with flexibility – closely linked to authorizing legislation Does NOT create a separate legal entity Establishes a board of directors

Agreement Highlights - Purpose Purpose = “enable cooperation in watershed planning and improvements for the mutual advantage of the political subdivisions involved” List in Agreement provides a basis for future goal setting efforts

Agreement Highlights – Powers & Duties Members will undertake specific responsibilities as appropriate Examples: –serve as applicant/fiscal agent for grants –contract for service –provide in-kind support –bid/administer a project

Agreement Highlights – Financing & Administration WMA not separate entity = no separate budget No funding mechanism set Provides for flexibility Members will establish funding mechanism & administrative duties through Board of Directors

Agreement Highlights – Board of Directors Each Member appoints one representative First task – develop by-laws By-laws will address Board officers, terms, meetings, administrative functions Second task – apply for Phase II funding to develop a watershed management plan

Next Steps Finalize 28E Agreement document Political subdivisions adopt 28E Agreement forming Indian Creek WMA –Provide sample resolution language –Schedule agenda item for June or July meetings Establish Board of Directors –Draft by-laws –Host board training session Pursue Phase II funding for watershed management plan

Questions or comments? Jennifer Fencl East Central Iowa Council of Governments ext. 131