In February, St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano joined Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Katrina Kessler, legislators and other city leaders in addressing the critical need for investments in local infrastructure.

Governor Tim Walz is proposing new legislation that would establish a $21.1 million grant program for stormwater infrastructure upgrades across Minnesota. These upgrades will help mitigate flood damage and adapt communities for increasing severe rain events.

“The impacts of climate change are many, and we’ve certainly seen their effects here in St. Louis Park with more severe storms and resulting flooding issues,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “Earlier this month, the City of St. Louis Park declared a climate emergency in an effort to encourage state and federal leaders to provide funding and pass policies communities need to combat climate change. This proposed grant program for stormwater infrastructure upgrades will help us as we continue our city’s longstanding commitment to climate action.”

In St. Louis Park, efforts to address stormwater have ranged from large projects such as the 2017 construction of an underground stormwater retention chamber at Carpenter Park and participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) community rating system, to programs for residents such as Rainwater Rewards, adopt a storm drain and discounted rain barrel sales.

Learn more by visiting the stormwater management page.