The short version

Carver County Water Management Organization funds 75 percent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000, for a rain garden, shoreline restoration, native planting, native buffer, or water reuse project (carvercountymn.gov).

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling, first-come basis, not a fixed annual deadline.

A signed cost-share agreement is required before construction, turf removal, or materials purchases begin.

The finished project comes with a five-year maintenance commitment, including yearly photo documentation submitted to the county.

Carver County Water Management Organization funds 75 percent of eligible project cost, up to $5,000, for a rain garden, shoreline restoration, or native planting, with applications accepted year-round.

Key takeaways

Carver County funds 75 percent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 (carvercountymn.gov).
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling, first-come basis.
A signed cost-share agreement is required before construction, turf removal, or materials purchases begin.
The finished project carries a five-year maintenance commitment, with yearly photo documentation.

How the Carver County Cost Share Program works

Carver County Water Management Organization funds 75 percent of eligible costs, up to a maximum reimbursement of $5,000, for projects that protect or restore water quality: rain gardens, shoreline restoration, native plantings, native buffers, and water reuse projects. Unlike many county cost-share programs, applications are accepted year-round rather than on a fixed annual deadline, and are reviewed on a rolling basis as they come in. Projects requesting less than $2,500 are approved administratively by county staff; $2,500 to $5,000 goes to the Water Management Organization's Advisory Committee.

A signed cost-share agreement is required before any construction, turf removal, or materials purchase, and the county notes that projects already under construction or completed at approval time are not eligible. Applicant labor is reimbursed at $12.00 an hour with a signed form of completed work.

Who this program is for

The program serves landowners, not-for-profits, local government agencies, public and private schools, and private businesses within Carver County, Minnesota. It comes with a real ongoing commitment: an operation and maintenance plan covering five years, with yearly photo documentation submitted to the county by August 1st, so it suits a homeowner planning to keep the garden or planting in place long-term.

See the Minnesota rebates page for the current application link and program details.