West Central Initiative, a regional economic development group in Minnesota, hired Yellow Wood Associates to bring our Green Community Technologies® tools and perspective to bear on water resource issues in small Minnesota communities. The cities of Ottertail, Brandon, and Battle Lake, Minnesota faced a variety of issues with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater that are emblematic of many small Minnesota communities. Our work began with a review of past experiences and current conditions, including ordinances, in each community and discussions with local government representatives, staff, and citizens to clarify goals and concerns. Next, through Green Community Technologies®, Yellow Wood researched a wide range of potential effective and environmentally sound solutions to issues ranging from stormwater filtration to avoid damaging wetlands to decentralized wastewater system management to biological options for treatment of drinking water. Communities received customized reports including preliminary cost information for alternative approaches and conventional approaches to meeting infrastructure needs.
Innovators in Rural Community Economic Development
