January 7, 2008

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today the availability of a grant application package (GAP) for three categories of water quality monitoring projects including $100,000 that is available for inland lakes beach monitoring grants, $150,000 for local water quality monitoring grants, and $150,000 for emerging issue monitoring grants. Local government and nonprofit entities are eligible for funding and are encouraged to apply.

The grant monies are designed to leverage state funds with resources from local governments, universities, and nonprofit organizations to more effectively monitor the quality of Michigan's rivers, lakes, and streams.

The GAP is available online at: http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3686_3728---,00.html, or by contacting Denise Page at 517-335-6969, or paged@michigan.gov. The GAP contains detailed instructions on developing a proposal, the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated, and the items that should be included with the proposal application. Applications are due by February 8, 2008.

Questions regarding an inland lake beach monitoring grant application can be directed to Shannon Briggs at 517-335-1214, or briggss4@michigan.gov. Questions regarding a local water quality monitoring or emerging issue monitoring grant can be directed to Kay Edly at 517-373-4633, or edlyk@michigan.gov.

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"

Revised January 7, 2008 by Pat Watson