The Department of Environmental Quality has announced the availability of approximately $5.2 million of state and federal funding for watershed-based projects. The DEQ is accepting proposals from local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and universities, to plan, implement, and protect Michigan's waters.

The funding opportunities include:

Clean Michigan Initiative - Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants:
Approximately $2 million is anticipated to be available to implement elements of watershed management plans that have been approved by the DEQ. Proposals must include a minimum of 25 percent local match.

Federal Clean Water Act, Section 319(h) - fiscal year 2009:
Approximately $3.2 million is anticipated to be available to develop watershed management plans meeting the DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria, or to implement elements of previously approved watershed management plans. Proposals must include a minimum of 10 percent local match for planning or 25 percent local match for implementation.

Watershed management plans must be approved by the DEQ on or before October 22, 2008, to be eligible for implementation funds. Notices of Intent are due September 17, 2008. Full applications from invited entities are due October 29, 2008.

Full text of the Request for Proposals, 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, Environmental Science and Services Division, 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"

Revised August 28, 2008 by Rosemarie Olszewski