Skip to content
You are here: Home Area News Archive
SFD, PSWCD Install New Dry Hydrants
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Chad Koenen - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 11:50


WesMin Resource Conservation and Development Council worked with the Starbuck Fire Department to help locate proper site, survey and design the fire hydrant, assist with installation where needed, assist with DNR permits, and provided cost share through a DNR Firewise grant to offset the costs of the project. The grants required a 1:1 match that could have included donated time, equipment, materials or labor. Many fire departments are volunteer and do not have a large budget, but through WesMin RC&D and project partners, were able to donate their labor to install the dry hydrants and use a DNR grant to cover most of the out of pocket expenses. A total of 14 dry fire hydrants were completed in the last few years under this program in WesMin's 14 county area, with cost share amounts ranging from $1,500 to $2,934. For a few thousand dollars, most of which was covered from a DNR grant, a very economical means of fire protection was provided to citizens living near the hydrant location.

Other partners involved in this cooperative effort include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District, Pope County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Association of RC&D Councils.