NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Dec. 22, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 477

Contact:  Carla Gibbs, Financial Assistance Branch, Division of Water Resources, 302-739-9941; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Deadline for grant proposals for Community Water Quality Improvement Projects extended to Jan. 15

The Delaware Clean Water Advisory Council has extended the deadline to Jan. 15 for project proposals for 2010 grant funds for Community Water Quality Improvement Projects.

Up to $500,000 in funding for community projects that improve water quality in impaired watersheds with established total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) is available.

Projects must meet one or more of the following criteria to be considered:

• Provide benefits to water quality within an impaired Delaware watershed.

• Implement a non-regulatory project listed in a watershed management plan.

• Install a community stormwater management improvement in an existing development or municipality.

• Produce federally-acceptable quality controlled water quality data from a citizen monitoring program.

• Restore water quality benefits.

Proposals that address implementation of non-regulatory projects listed in Delaware’s Watershed Management Plans are encouraged. Applicants can access plans and related documents on DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Information/WatershedInfo/Pages/WatershedManagementPlans.aspx.

The Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes the program goals, eligibility requirements, selection process and information and instructions for grant applicants, is posted on DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/ADMIN/Pages/RFPsAndRFQs.aspx.

Only organizations and entities without taxing authority are eligible to apply and include: Delaware state, county or municipal governments, agencies or programs; non-profit entities; educational institutions; civic, community and homeowner organizations; and quasi-state agencies. Agricultural operations and for-profit firms are not eligible; however, cooperative arrangements with eligible applicants are acceptable.

Project proposals must be submitted electronically to Carla.Gibbs@state.de.us by 4:30 p.m., Jan. 15, 2010.

Grant awards will be announced at the Clean Water Advisory Council meeting on January 27, and grant funds will be available to recipients by Feb. 1.

On Dec. 3, the Delaware Clean Water Advisory Council held a workshop to provide information and review requirements for the program. The workshop presentation is posted on the Clean Water Advisory Council page on DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Services/Pages/CleanWaterAdvisoryCouncil.aspx.

DNREC’s Financial Assistance Branch will administer the grant application process and provide technical and financial guidance. The program is not associated with or dependent upon federal stimulus funds.
For more information contact DNREC’s Financial Assistance Branch, Division of Water Resources, Carla Gibbs, 302-739-9941 or Carla.Gibbs@state.de.us.