(Fairmont) – Funding for watershed projects and the future of lake improvements were among the topics discussed Thursday during the Fairmont Lakes Foundation’s annual meeting. Speakers included representatives from the Shell Rock River Watershed District and Minnesota Watersheds, who shared how funding has helped improve water quality in the Albert Lea area. The Shell Rock River Watershed District has received approximately 86-million dollars in grants and other funding since 2003. Projects have included dredging Fountain Lake, reducing phosphorus runoff, improving fish habitat and storing floodwater. The meeting also focused on the possibility of establishing a separate watershed district and improving Fairmont’s representation in regional watershed planning. Fairmont City Councilor Britney Kawecki raised concerns that the city does not have a voice on the Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance after deciding not to pay membership dues. About 40 people attended the meeting at Southern Minnesota Educational Campus.
