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MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION . 250 South Fourth Street#300 Minneapolis,MN 55415 Tel(612) 673-5897 Fax(612) 673-5819 Dear Commissioner Enrooth: November 6, 1996, Enclosed you will find packets for presentation to your Council and a draft Enabling Resolution. Each packet includes the final draft of the Joint and Cooperative Agreement(JCA)for the Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization(M.MRWMO),a summary sheet on the JCA,and other background materials that help to define watersheds and fheir.:inanagement. The JCA is the result of work over the past year by you and representatives from the Cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Falcon Heights,Lauderdale and representatives of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the University of Minnesota.The Board of Water and Soil Resources(BWSR)has also worked closely with us in updating the JCA.They believe we have a sound document that could well serve as a model for other communities in the metro area. Perhaps the most.important-power agreed to under the JCA is the power to develop a five year Watershed Management Plan.That plan would set forth the capital projects.that would be implemented to improve the watershed. These projects fall broadly into three areas:water quantity(flood control),water quality and natural resources. These last two areas include such things as best management practices to improve water quality,and reforestation and habitat restoration. In • discussions with BWSR staff they have indicated that funds could also be used for pollution cleanups and historic preservation projects. The projects identified in the Watershed Management Plan could be funded through a special purpose levy,or other financial mechanism,that would be assessed on a city by city basis depending upon the benefit each city would recognize from a particular project. Eligible WMO projects could come from anywhere within the boundaries of the MMRWMO. The MMRWMO Joint and Cooperative Powers Agreement provides Members with an opportunity to protect and enhance one of our most important water resources-the Mississippi River. The MMRWMO could become a major new tool for Elected Officials to realize long standing and significant improvements to the Mississippi River. I believe we have crafted a JCA that all the participating jurisdictions should be able to wholeheartedly endorse. It is an Agreement which holds great promise for the future of the Mississippi River,while at the same time protecting the integrity of local government decision making in water resources management. - Sincerely, Thomas W.Frame,Chair Middle Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization City of Minneapolis City of Saint Paul Village of Saint Anthony City of lauderdale' City of Falcon Heights • Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board University of Minnesota