[Watersheds] FW: DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR PROPOSALS TO HELP STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE, IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

[Panciera, Ernie (DEM)]

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR PROPOSALS TO HELP STRENGTHEN
CLIMATE RESILIENCE, IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Grant submissions now accepted through July 28

PROVIDENCE - To allow applicants additional time to develop robust proposals, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has extended the deadline for 2017 Bay and Watershed Restoration Grant<http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/finance/pdf/bwrfrfp17.pdf> applications to Friday, July 28, 2017.  Some $6.4 million in matching grants is available to help communities reduce flooding, control stormwater, and strengthen Rhode Island's climate resilience. Proposals are being solicited for three categories of grants:

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Projects - $3 Million Available
Projects that improve stormwater management and abate stormwater pollution.  Collaborative projects that incorporate green infrastructure on a watershed basis, capital projects that strengthen local stormwater management programs, and projects that implement a Best Management Practice identified through an approved stormwater management plan or restoration plan are encouraged.  Grants will provide 50 to 75 percent of project costs.

Flood Prevention and Mitigation Projects - $3 Million Available
Projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flooding in coastal or inland areas and enhance natural ecosystem functions. Eligible projects include the restoration of floodplains and stream banks, removal of impervious surfaces and re-vegetation in flood-prone areas, culvert replacements, dam removals, and projects that mitigate flooding risks to developed properties.  Grants will provide 50 to 75 percent of project costs.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Projects - $400,000 Available
Projects that address indirect (or 'nonpoint') sources of pollution and improve water quality/aquatic habitat.  Projects include those that address pollution from farms, removal of cesspools or converting to a non-discharging wastewater treatment system, or mitigate stormwater pollution in areas not covered by a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.  Projects in five targeted geographic areas are eligible for funding, including Bristol-Kickemuit River watershed, Barrington-Palmer-Warren Rivers watershed, Aquidneck Island watershed, Nonquit Pond watershed, and Wood-Pawcatuck watershed.

Nonpoint source and stormwater pollution are significant causes of poor water quality. Grant funding is made possible via the 2014 Clean Water, Open Space, and Healthy Communities Bond ($3 million), the 2016 Green Economy Bond ($3 million), and the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program ($400,000).  For more information or to apply for these grant opportunities, visit www.dem.ri.gov/growgreenRI<http://www.dem.ri.gov/growgreenRI>. Electronic applications are encouraged; however, proposals may also be mailed to the DEM Permit Application Center, 235 Promenade Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02908. Final proposals and supporting materials are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017. Local, state and regional governmental agencies, as well as public schools, universities, businesses, and non-profit watershed, environmental or conservation organizations, are eligible to apply.

Follow DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM<http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM> or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

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