Moorhead receives $100,000 grant to conduct environmental study

(Moorhead, MN) -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is giving Moorhead a $100,000 grant aimed at learning about city infrastructure vulnerable to rain flooding.

Multiple members of city leadership gathered outside of Moorhead's Hjemkomst Center to announce the grant. Katrina Kessler, a Commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, says the funds will allow the city to better understand how the city will be impacted by future storms.

"Moorhead is receiving the first of 12 grants we are giving out to communities across the state to assess risks related to climate change specifically on their infrastructure," said Commissioner Kessler, "We are looking to cities like Moorhead to be able to figure out based on their data and their level of risk where they should be investing going forward to implement projects that will mitigate flooding and other risks from climate change."

City officials say the study will focus on buildings, roads, and other structures throughout the city to determine their ability to withstand high-intensity weather events. Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson says the study will specifically look at high-risk areas, to determine if upgrades or changes are needed.

"We have a brick sewer system that was built in the 1940's," said Mayor Carlson, "So that just gives you an idea of some of the areas in our downtown - how old some of that infrastructure is and the things we need to do to ensure they will continue to be resilient."

Moorhead is one of 17 Minnesota cities who declared a climate emergency, and has also achieved the highest level of recognition from the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program.