Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) include all projects that are designed and installed by the Brown's Creek Watershed District to address issues in the watershed such as water quality and quantity. These projects are identified in the Watershed Management Plan in the Implementation Plan, Brown’s Creek Management Plan, and Lake Management Plans.
The BCWD will review the status of all capital projects as part of its annual budgeting process. The Board of Managers will allocate funds and adjust the priority of and schedule for capital projects in light of the results achieved to date.
Current and Past Projects
Many of the CIPs completed by the watershed district were partially funded through the Clean Water Fund, while some, such as the Brown's Creek Restoration Project have been funded by other grants or sources.
Steps to Implement a Project
- Identify capital projects most likely to address the identified concern and achieve the desired benefit(s) through performance studies.
- Determine the viability of the project and identify the most cost-effective and efficient configuration of constructed best management practices and/or facilities to achieve the stated goal through a detailed engineering feasibility study.
- The Board of Managers review study findings and engineer recommendations to determine whether the project remains viable.
- The Board of Managers request public input on the project if determined viable.
- The Board of Managers orders construction after receiving input from property owners, fellow local governmental representatives and other stakeholders and determining that the project will be conducive to public health, promote the general welfare, and complies with the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act and the Plan.
Standard Operating Procedures
The watershed district maintains a Capital Improvement Program Standard Operating Procedures Manual (CIP SOPM) for projects that are owned, operated, and/or maintained by the District. The manual consolidates key project information in a single location, enabling staff to efficiently track and manage the activities required for proper operation and maintenance. The manual includes:
- Project Information: Location, description, background, and funding
- Maintenance and Inspection: Requirements and responsible parties
- Cooperative Agreements
- Maintenance Records and Reporting
- Emergency Plans and Operating Procedures
- Appendices: Record drawings and other relevant project information
To date, the BCWD provides operation and maintenance activities on 20 projects. The CIP SOPM will be available here soon.