Grants available to help local communities deal with polluted urban and agricultural runoff
MADISON – Local governments have until April 15 to apply for cost sharing grants to help meet state and federal requirements to control polluted runoff from agricultural and urban areas. The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for 2010 grant funding in both the Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) and Urban Nonpoint Source and Stormwater Management programs.
“DNR is pleased to again help local governments control polluted runoff, Wisconsin’s number one source of water pollution,” said Matt Frank, DNR Secretary. “Water from storms or snow melt washes across streets, parking lots, farm fields, barnyards, and construction sites, and carries sediment, fertilizer, manure, toxic pollutants, and pathogens into lakes, rivers, or groundwater.”
Polluted runoff, also known as “nonpoint source pollution,” can hurt drinking water quality, destroy fish habitat, kill fish, clog harbors and streams with sediment, and harm boating, fishing, swimming and other water recreation.
Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) grants are provided to control runoff pollution from both urban and agricultural sites of high priority where significant natural resources are at risk. Examples of eligible projects include barnyard and feedlot protection practices, detention ponds, livestock waste management practices, and stream bank restoration and wetland construction projects.
Urban Nonpoint Source and Storm Water Management (UNPS; SW) grants are used to control polluted runoff specifically in urban areas. Two types of grants are available: planning or construction. Examples of eligible planning projects include community stormwater planning efforts, preparation of local ordinances that impact stormwater, evaluation of local stormwater financing options (including stormwater utilities), detection and elimination of illicit stormwater discharges, and public participation, education, and outreach activities. Examples of eligible construction projects include detention basins, infiltration trenches and basins, wetland basins, and stream bank and shoreland stabilization projects.
Since the runoff grant program began in 1999, DNR has awarded 590 grants to 202 different local governments totaling nearly $24 million for TRM grants and just over $34.5 million for UNPS and SW grants.
While some grant awards may be reduced due to state budget constraints, Frank says, good progress can still be made as a result of recent increases in Governor Doyle’s most recent budget. “This remains a priority for us. Projects will provide construction jobs and protect clean water, which is critical to Wisconsin’s economic future and recovery,” Frank said.
More information about Runoff Management Grants and links to applications are available on the DNR Web site. To be considered for funding in 2010, grant applications must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2009. Award notices will be made in late 2009 – once funding levels for both these programs are included in 2009-2011 Biennial Budget.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or a printed version of the 2010 applications: contact Kathleen Thompson at (608) 267-7568
