December 28, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has announced the availability of over $4.5 million of state and federal funding for watershed-based projects. The DEQ is accepting proposals from local units of government, nonprofit organizations, universities, and tribes to plan, implement, and protect Michigan's waters.

The funding opportunities include:

-Clean Michigan Initiative - Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants: Approximately $1 million is anticipated to be available to implement elements of watershed plans that have been approved by the DEQ. Proposals must include a minimum of 25 percent local match.

-Clean Michigan Initiative - Clean Water Fund - Voluntary Storm Water Permits: Approximately $850,000 is available to implement elements of watershed plans developed under Phase 2 Storm Water Rules that have been approved by both the Storm Water and NPS Programs. Proposals must include a minimum of 50 percent local match.

-Federal Clean Water Act, Section 319(h) - fiscal year 2007: Approximately $2.5 million is anticipated to be available to develop watershed plans meeting the DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) criteria, or to implement elements of previously approved watershed plans. Proposals must include a minimum of 10 percent local match for planning or 25 percent local match for implementation.

-Federal Clean Water Act, Section 205(j)/604(b): Approximately $100,000 is anticipated to be available to develop watershed plans meeting the DEQ and the USEPA criteria. A minimum of ten percent local match is required.

Watershed plans must be approved by the DEQ prior to February 2, 2007, to be eligible for implementation funds. Proposals are due February 15, 2007. Full text of the RFP, as well as forms and instructions, can be found on the DEQ's Web site - http://www.michigan.gov/deqnps. This information is also available from Nancy Steffen, ESSD, at 517-373-9540.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"