For the second priority of the 3M Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) settlement —"Priority 2”— the State of Minnesota received $20 million in grant money to fund projects designed to restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, resource improvement and outdoor recreational opportunities. Priority 2 will focus on funding projects in the East Metropolitan Area and downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers that have been affected by Per- and Polyfluoronated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) released by 3M. Priority 2 projects will be solicited and selected through a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will serve as Co-trustees for the grant process, funding distribution and project selection. DNR and MPCA will engage communities, stakeholders and technical experts to gather feedback regarding Priority 2 goals and planning processes; more specifics on this engagement are described below.
What will the Priority 2 work groups be doing?
The work groups will provide feedback representing the perspectives of residents and communities on the formation of three main aspects of the process:
- The goals for Priority 2
- The evaluation criteria that will be used to guide project selection
- The RFP solicitation scope and language
How do the Priority 1 and Priority 2 planning efforts and work groups differ?
Priority 2 grant making will be focused on the projects that will most effectively meet the Priority 2 goals. Projects will be solicited, and grants awarded via a competitive RFP process. Because this will be a competitive process, the work group members are not charged to identify potential Priority 2 projects. This is a different approach compared to Priority 1.
Priority 1 work groups were specifically formed to review and provided input on Priority 1 projects dedicated to specific safe drinking water needs. Communities were asked to communicate drinking water support needs and advocate for the types of projects that would best meet those needs. The DNR and MPCA developed a conceptual plan to meet East Metro communities drinking water needs and all eligible communities received projects. This will not be the approach for Priority 2, whereas described above, communities and organizations will need to apply for project funds.
Who can participate in the Priority 2 work groups?
The Government/3M work group will include communities located in the East Metropolitan Area and/or in downstream locations of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers that have experienced natural resources injuries or recreational service losses from PFAS released by 3M.
Resident work group membership will be open to residents from Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties.
The Ecosystem Services and Recreational Subgroup (Priority 2 subgroup) membership will be through invitation from the DNR and MPCA, and will include government units (city, township, county), tribal government(s), resource managers, and non-governmental organizations.
What are the requirements and expectations for those serving on the 3M Priority 2 Resident Work Group?
Applicants must:
- Reside in Washington, Ramsey or Dakota county
- Attend meetings of two to three hours during business work hours approximately every other month for six months and potentially additional meetings thereafter
- Have experience or interest in engaging with government programs or projects
- Serve in an advisory capacity to provide feedback and guidance to the DNR and MPCA about Priority 2
How can interested persons apply to participate in the Resident Work Group?
Interested residents should complete and submit the application found below on this webpage. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on February 21, 2023. The DNR and MPCA will review the applications and select the work group members based on interests, experience and qualifications. In addition, the DNR and MPCA seek an inclusive and well-rounded work group, encompassing differences in including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, life experience, ideas, knowledge and learning styles.
Will participating in either the Priority 2 Government and 3M Work Group or Priority 2 Resident Work Group affect my or my organization’s ability to apply for Priority 2 funding?
No, participating in the Priority 2 Work Groups will not impact you or your organization’s ability to apply for funding. While the Work Groups will review the criteria that will be used to evaluate projects, they will not be involved in evaluating projects nor providing feedback on the final project selection. In addition, all work group meetings will be open to the public, meaning that participation in the Work Group will not provide a competitive edge to any organization or individual. The DNR and MPCA will not consider participating in a Work Group a conflict of interest for organizations that plan to submit projects for consideration to Priority 2.
Who will be involved in evaluating project proposals submitted for Priority 2 Funding?
The DNR and MPCA will convene an evaluation committee comprising staff from both agencies with relevant areas of expertise to evaluate proposals submitted for Priority 2 funding. This committee will recommend projects for funding to the DNR and MPCA for their review and input. The DNR and MPCA will consider the recommendations from the evaluation committee and select the projects that will be supported with Priority 2 funding.
How can I advocate for projects in my community?
Proposal submission through the RFP process is the only venue for advocating for projects in your community. Specific project proposals will not be discussed in work group meetings or with subgroup members.
What will the Priority 2 subgroup be doing?
The primary purpose of the Priority 2 Subgroup will be to help inform the DNR and MPCA about current local natural resource and recreation planning efforts relevant to potential Priority 2 projects. More specifically, the DNR and MPCA would like to know about planning efforts for restoring and enhancing aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, resource improvement, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the East Metro area or in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Will participating in the Priority 2 Subgroup affect my or my organization’s ability to apply for Priority 2 funding?
No, participating in the Priority 2 Subgroup will not impact you or your organization’s ability to apply for funding. Because the Priority 2 Subgroup will only be used to gather information about ongoing planning, subgroup participants will not be conflicted out of developing and submitting projects for consideration under Priority 2.