Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program, Deadline Feb. 2

November 17, 2014 gourdiefraserrestoration, streamLeave a comment

Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program – 2015 Request for Proposals announced November 5, 2014

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Corporation for National and Community Service, FedEx, Southern Company, Bank of America and PG&E are pleased to solicit applications for the 2015 Five Star/Urban Waters Restoration Program which is managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The grant program is offered in conjunction with the Urban Waters Federal Partnership which gives priority to projects located in underserved, environmentally overburdened communities.

NFWF anticipates that approximately $2,000,000 in combined total funding will be available for projects such as: wetlands creation and restoration; green infrastructure and stormwater management; citizen’s science and volunteer water monitoring; projects that reduce or eliminate trash from entering waterways; coastal habitat, riparian, urban forest restoration and other water quality protection and restoration projects in local communities. NFWF will host a webinar for potential applicants on November 18, 2014.

This RFP closes February 2, 2015. Contact us for more information!

Aquatic Habitat Restoration Grants, Pre-Proposal Deadline Aug. 29

August 1, 2014 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

The Department of Natural Resources today announced its second round of funding in 2014 for the Aquatic Habitat Grant Program. This program is focused on funding projects that protect intact and rehabilitate degraded aquatic habitat.

There is $1,250,000 available for the second round of this year’s program. Funded projects will emphasize protecting intact and rehabilitating degraded aquatic resources throughout the state; developing self-sustaining aquatic communities that provide for continuing recreational opportunities and natural resource-based economies; and developing strong relationships and partnerships along with new expertise with respect to aquatic habitat protection and recovery.

Funding is available for eligible single- and multiple-year projects by local, state, federal and tribal governments, non-profit groups and individuals through an open competitive process. Minimum grant amounts will be set at $25,000, with the maximum amount being the amount of funds available for that grant cycle. Projects can address issues on streams, rivers, lakes or the Great Lakes. Smaller projects within the same watershed addressing similar issues and system processes can be bundled into a single grant proposal package in order to reach minimum grant amount requirements if necessary.

The program is structured slightly different this round, with a pre-proposal process implemented. Applicants must complete and submit a three-page pre-proposal form for review by the DNR’s Fisheries Division for the project area. Pre-proposals must be postmarked no later than Aug. 29. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their pre-proposal and, if successful, will be invited to submit a complete application packet for their project. However, an invitation to submit a complete application packet does not guarantee a project will be funded.

“Michigan’s world-class fisheries depend on great aquatic habitat,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “This program is critical as we strive to enhance the state’s fisheries and build partnerships with entities that are committed to doing the same.”

The Aquatic Habitat Grant Program pre-proposal period began Aug. 1 and ends at the close of business on Aug. 29. Successful pre-proposal applicants will be notified by Sept. 30. This grant program is funded by revenues from fishing and hunting license fees.

Photo source: Wikicommons

Waterways Grant Program Changes

May 29, 2014 gourdiefraserboat launch, grant, marinaLeave a comment

Rec plans now need to be included as part of the submission package!

The Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division recently announced a schedule of workshops to discuss the inclusion of a five-year plan as part of the DNR’s Waterways Program Grant application process.

This change will allow communities to incorporate local harbors into their budget process just like any other community asset., encouraging a more holistic approach to long-term community goals and recreational benefits to their communities. The Michigan State Waterways Commission, an advisory group to the DNR, has reviewed the proposal to add the plans in the application process and is in support of the DNR’s decision to adopt the requirement.

Each community that has received a Waterways Fund grant in the past will be notified through e-mail and postal mail. In addition, waterways staff will hold workshops regionally around the state. There is no cost for the workshops, which are scheduled for the following dates:

Wednesday, June 11, 9 a.m.-noon
Holiday Inn Express, 1201 W. Main St., Gaylord.
Wednesday, June 18, 9 a.m.-noon
Franklin Inn, 1070 E. Huron Ave., Bad Axe.
Tuesday, June 24, 9 a.m.-noon
Days Inn, 2403 U.S. Highway 41 W., Marquette.
Wednesday, July 9, 9 a.m.-noon
Holiday Inn-Muskegon Harbor, 939 Third St., Muskegon.

These sessions are open to all interested parties. An RSVP is recommended to reserve a seat; please RSVP to Darlene Moore at 517-284-6138 or moored4@michigan.gov at least five days before each workshop.

The tentative agenda is outlined below:

9-10:30 a.m.: Discuss new requirements for Waterways Program Grants
10:30 a.m.-noon: Review the process from grant application through project completion and learn how to streamline that process

Solid Waste Program Grants, Deadline Jan. 31

November 15, 2013 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant Program has been established to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. Qualified organizations will receive SWM grant funds to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas, and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.

Funds may be used to: Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements.

The application period has been extended to January 31, 2014 for FY14 only. Any applications received after October 1, 2013 will be accepted. The purpose of the modification is to give SWM applicants additional time to compensate for the federal government shutdown.

Budget: $3.4M; Expected number of awards: 30

An organization is eligible to receive a SWM grant if it: a. Is a private, non-profit organization that has tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS); b. Is a Public body; c. Is a federally acknowledged or State-recognized Native American tribe or group; d. Is an Academic institution; e. Is legally established and located within one of the following: ï¿½ a state within the United States ï¿½ the District of Columbia ï¿½ the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ï¿½ a United States territory f. Has the legal capacity and authority to carry out the grant purpose; g. Has a proven record of successfully providing technical assistance and/or training to rural areas; h. Has capitalization acceptable to the Agency, and is composed of at least 51 percent of the outstanding interest or membership being citizens of the United States or individuals who reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence; i. Has no delinquent debt to the Federal Government or no outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt; j. Demonstrates that it possesses the financial, technical, and managerial capability to comply with Federal and State laws and requirements. k. Contracts with a nonaffiliated organization for not more than 49 percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance.

GLRI Grants, Deadline Aug. 14

July 16, 2013 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a Request for Applications soliciting applications from states, tribes, local governments, universities, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible organizations for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants and cooperative agreements to be awarded as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, http://glri.us

EPA will award approximately $9.5 million under this request for applications for about 20 projects, contingent on the availability of appropriations, the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. This RFA is EPA’s major competitive grant funding opportunity under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for fiscal year 2013. It is one of several funding opportunities available through federal agencies under GLRI. Applications are requested for projects within the following four categories:

Reducing exposure to toxic substances from fish consumption
Invasive species prevention and control
Lake Erie Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative
Facilitation of Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) stakeholder forums

A webinar explaining the grant application process will be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, July 30. Register for the webinar: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/948263881

Tribal Wildlife Grant Program, Due Sept. 3

July 8, 2013 gourdiefrasertribal, wildlifeLeave a comment

Tribal Wildlife Grants are used to provide technical and financial assistance to Tribes for the development and implementation of programs that benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitat. Activities may include, but are not limited to, planning for wildlife and habitat conservation, fish and wildlife conservation and management actions, fish and wildlife related laboratory and field research, natural history studies, habitat mapping, field surveys and population monitoring, habitat preservation, conservation easements, and public education that is relevant to the project. The funds may be used for salaries, equipment, consultant services, subcontracts, acquisitions and travel. Previously funded Tribal Wildlife Grant projects range from comprehensive surveys of plants, fish and wildlife, to habitat and fish restoration, to development of new resource management plans and techniques.

Expected Number of Awards:    23
Estimated Total Program Funding:    $3,925,000
Award Ceiling:    $200,000
Award Floor:    $15,000

Photo: WikiCommons

MDEQ’s Wellhead Protection Grant Program, Due June 15

May 14, 2013 gourdiefrasercontamination, wellLeave a comment

Michigan’s Wellhead Protection Grants are a 50 percent local match program to assist public water supplies in developing and implementing a WHPP and are voluntarily implemented on the local and state levels. The goal is to protect PWSSs that use groundwater from potential sources of contamination. Protection is provided by identifying the area that contributes groundwater to the PWSS, identifying sources of contamination within that area, and developing methods to cooperatively manage the area and minimize any threat to the PWSS.

Grant eligible activities are tasks undertaken for the purpose of determining a wellhead protection area, developing, implementing or maintaining a wellhead protection program, and public outreach or education about wellhead protection. PWSSs that utilize groundwater as a source of drinking water, which are exclusive of federally owned facilities, and that have no outstanding prior year fees owed to the
state, are eligible for grant assistance.

The minimum application requirements include:

A 50 percent local match that must be provided through local funds equal to the amount of grant assistance requested.
A wellhead protection team consisting of at least three people.
A minimum score of ten on the application.

Please contact us for more information!

New program on the horizon: WIFIA

April 2, 2013 gourdiefraserAWWA, infrastructure, low-interest, WIFIALeave a comment

Senate Committee approves WIFIA; AWWA hails pivotal moment for water infrastructure

March 20, 2013

A US Senate Committee today passed legislation that would create a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority, a development the American Water Works Association hailed as pivotal in confronting America’s trillion-dollar water infrastructure challenge.

If enacted into law, WIFIA would make low-interest federal loans available to address large water infrastructure projects in communities across the United States. AWWA, a chief proponent for the creation of WIFIA for several years, is urging water utilities and businesses across the water sector to actively support the bill as it heads to the full Senate.

“Today represents a pivotal moment in assuring America’s water infrastructure challenge is no longer buried,” said AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. “WIFIA would help communities repair more critical water infrastructure at a lower cost. Ultimately, WIFIA would benefit everyone who pays a water bill.”

Based on a successful financing tool in the transportation sector, WIFIA would aid communities with pipe replacement, new or upgraded treatment plants, wastewater, reuse and desalination projects, and new water supply projects. The provision is part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2013, which is expected to reach the Senate floor by May of 2013.

Press release – AWWA

Michigan State Revolving Fund Program Changes

November 12, 2012 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

A package of bills moving through the state legislature would create changes to the current SRF/SWQIF programs. Here is the complete fiscal analysis.

Senate Bill 1158 would amend Part 197 (Great Lakes Water Quality Bond Implementation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to revise the allocation of money from the Great Lakes Water Quality Bond Fund. Part 197 requires the State Treasurer to transfer money in the Great Lakes Water Quality Bond Fund as follows:

— In aggregate, a maximum of $710.0 million must be deposited into the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (SRF).
— In aggregate, a maximum of $290.0 million must be deposited into the Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Fund (SWQIF).

The bill would decrease the maximum amount transferred to the SRF to $90.0 million, and increase the maximum amount transferred to the SWQIF to $910.0 million.
Senate Bill 1155 (S-1) would amend Part 52 (Strategic Water Quality Initiatives) to do the
following:

— Include construction activities related to sewage treatment works, stormwater treatment, and nonpoint source projects among the activities eligible for a low-interest loan through the Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Loan Program, when identified through an asset management program or storm water project plan designed to protect water quality.
— Authorize the use of SWQIF money for grants to municipalities for sewage collection and treatment systems, and grants and loans for wetland mitigation banks.
— Require the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to report annually to the Legislature on the use of funds under Part 52 that were received from the Great Lakes Water Quality Bond Fund.

The grant program would have to provide grants of up to $1.0 million to cover a maximum of 90% of the costs incurred by a municipality. For grants of more than $1.0 million and less than $2.0 million, the program could not cover more than 75% of the municipality’s costs. A municipality could receive a 100% grant if it were a disadvantaged community as defined in Part 53 (which Senate Bill 1156 (S-1) would amend); a municipality in receivership or under a consent agreement under the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act; or a municipality with an appointed emergency financial manager or under a consent agreement under the Local Government Fiscal Responsibility Act. No municipality could receive more than $2.0 million in total grant assistance.

The bill would require the Michigan Municipal Bond Authority, in conjunction with the DEQ, to establish a wetland mitigation bank funding program that provided grants and loans totaling a maximum of $10.0 million to eligible municipalities. Up to $500,000 of the total could be used for grants. The funding could be used for this program as long as funds remained available.
These grants would have to provide assistance to municipalities to complete loan application requirements for funding from the wetland mitigation bank funding program or other sources of financing. Grants could not cover more than 90% of a municipality’s costs to complete an application for loan assistance.
Loans under this program would have to provide assistance to municipalities to establish a wetland mitigation bank.
Senate Bill 1156 (S-1) would amend Part 53 (Clean Water Assistance) to require the DEQ to award up to 50 points to a proposed sewage treatment works, stormwater treatment, or nonpoint source project in a disadvantaged community, when developing its priority list for SWQIF project funding.
“Disadvantaged community” would mean a municipality in which both of the following conditions are met:

— Users within the area served by a proposed sewage treatment works project or stormwater treatment project are directly assessed for the costs of construction.
— The median household income of the area served by the proposed project does not exceed 120% of the statewide median annual household income for Michigan.
Additionally, the municipality would have to demonstrate that more than 50% of the area served by a proposed project is identified as a poverty area by the U.S. Bureau of Census, or that the median annual household income of the area served by a proposed project does not exceed specified levels.

Senate Bill 1157 (S-1) would amend Part 54 (Safe Drinking Water Assistance) to do the following:

— Provide that formal enforcement action points awarded to a proposed project in the DEQ’s development of a priority list for public water supply project funding would be in addition to the maximum points otherwise allowed.
— Revise the criteria used to break a tie between projects with even scores.

The bill also would revise the definition of “disadvantaged community” in Part 54. The revised definition would be similar to the one Senate Bill 1156 (S-1) would add to Part 53, except the term would refer to a public water supply project rather than a sewage treatment works or stormwater treatment project. All of the bills are tie-barred to each other.

US Fish & Wildlife Small Grants Program, Deadline Oct. 25

July 12, 2012 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

U.S. Small Grants Deadlines: October 25, 2012.

Purpose

The Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (Act). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

This program supports the same type of projects and adheres to the same selection criteria and administrative guidelines as the U.S. Standard Grants Program. However, project activities are usually smaller in scope and involve fewer project dollars. Grant requests may not exceed $75,000, and funding priority is given to grantees or partners new to the Act’s Grants Program.

History

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) created the Small Grants Program in 1996 to encourage new grantees and partners to carry out smaller-scale, long-term wetlands conservation projects that may otherwise not be able to compete in the U.S. Standard Grants Program. The Small Grants Program has also become an important catalyst in developing a pool of new grantees and/or partners for the Standard Grants Program. In recent years, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission) has approved $3 million in funding for the Small Grants Program annually.

The Process

Each year, the Commission approves the total amount of funding to be distributed to projects under the Small Grants Program in the following fiscal year. Applicants submit project proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (Division) for the program’s one funding cycle per year. After a preliminary review by Division staff, Joint Venture Coordinators, and Council staff, eligible proposals are presented to the Council for further review and ranking. The Council, which has been delegated final approval authority by the Commission, then selects the slate of projects to be funded and informs the Commission on its decision. The Division is responsible for administering the grants for the approved projects.

Current Funding

A minimum of $3 million has been approved to support projects in FY 2012. The Small Grant Program funding level is authorized up to $5 million, the maximum amount being contingent upon the quality and number of proposals received.

Accomplishments

From September 1996 through June 2012, some 1,440 partners in 579 projects have received more than $ 31.4 million in grants. They have contributed another $126.2 million in matching funds to affect 224,670 acres of habitat and $69.4 million in non-matching funds to affect 4,503 acres of habitat.

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