$21.2 million in competitive grands available for water quality projects
St. Cloud, MN — Minnesota Waters, the statewide non-profit dedicated to empowering citizens to protect and improve the lakes and rivers of Minnesota, announces the availability of $16.6 million in competitive grants that will protect and restore Minnesota’s streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater.
Funding for the competitive grants is provided by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
“We encourage and will assist interested parties in completing the grant application to take advantage of the opportunity to bring these dollars to their area,” said Lois Sinn Lindquist, Executive Director, Minnesota Waters. “Participation of engaged landowners is key to realizing projects that will maintain the health of our lakes, rivers and streams. We are prepared to support each plan from award though successful implementation.”
Interested citizens are advised to contact an eligible local government unit (LGU) to confirm out how it can support the grant application process and participate in local efforts to protect and restore water quality. Find your local government using your zip code at: http://maps.bwsr.state.mn.us/lgufinder
“Most of these dollars will be spent on conservation projects on privately owned lands, so citizen involvement is the key to the success of this grant program,” said John Jaschke, Executive Director, The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).
Eligible projects include those that control stormwater runoff in urban and agricultural areas, or that will improve water quality by replacing problem septic systems, upgrading feedlots, or establishing native vegetation along shorelines in environmentally sensitive areas. Summaries of previously funded projects and more information about BWSR’s role in the Legacy Amendment is available on the BWSR website: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/citizens.html
Minnesota’s cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and joint powers organizations of these local government units are eligible for the grants.
The application period began Aug. 8, 2011, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 20, 2011.
In addition to the competitive grants, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has $4.5 million available through its AgBMP Loan program, and interested landowners should apply for a loan during this same application period by contacting their SWCD.
Minnesota Waters believes an engaged citizenry will effectively protect and restore Minnesota’s irreplaceable natural assets — clean and healthy lakes and streams — for current and future generations. The non-profit organization provides training, connections, issue advocacy, and support to empower citizens and citizen-led groups to be active, effective advocates for Minnesota’s unique waterscape.
