NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Nov. 13, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 514

For more information contact James Brunswick, Community Ombudsman, 302-739-9000 or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-729-9902.

              Funding Workshops for Community Environmental Projects
                                              Set for Nov. 24 and Dec. 8

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Community Involvement Advisory Council (CIAC) will hold two free public workshops on funding opportunities for environmental projects that will benefit communities. Environmental projects that meet funding criteria include those that address pollution, enhance natural resources, improve environmental conditions or provide environmental benefits to a community.

At the workshops, information will be presented on three grant opportunities for 2009 – the Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) and two new pilot programs – the Collaborative Problem-Solving Small Grant and the Technical Assistance Small Grant. Eligible applicants include Delaware civic and community organizations; non-profit entities; educational institutions; counties; municipal governments; state agencies; and quasi-state agencies representing communities where environmental violations have occurred.

The workshops will be held: 

7 p.m.  -  8:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 24 – DNREC Offices, 391 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE 19720

7 p.m.  -  8:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8 – DNREC Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901

Pre-registration is requested, but not required. Contact Vicki Ward, Office of the Secretary, 302-739-9000 or Vicki.Ward@state.de.us to pre-register or for directions to a workshop.

The CIAC will accept applications for funding from its Community Environmental Project Fund beginning Nov. 17, 2008 and ending 4:30 p.m., January 5, 2009.  For an application form and more information on requirements, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/CIAC or call 302-739-9000.

Eligible CIAC projects must meet the following criteria:

• Eliminate, minimize or abate pollution or improve environmental conditions to eliminate or minimize risks to human health.
• Enhance natural resources by improving native habitats or recreational opportunities.
• Benefit a community in which an environmental violation occurred resulting in a civil or administrative penalty.

Past CIAC projects have included an urban forestry program in Wilmington’s Southbridge community and a project that recycled construction materials for sale in low to moderate income communities.

In addition to CIAC criteria, the Collaborative Problem-Solving Small Grant and the Technical Assistance Small Grant require that the project include a multi-stakeholder partnership.

The Technical Assistance Small Grant provides funding for community-based research or training or can be used to contract with an independent technical assistance provider to assist with development of a community environmental project.

For more information on project eligibility, penalty funds available or assistance with the application, contact DNREC Community Ombudsman James Brunswick, 302-739-9000 or James.Brunswick@state.de.us.

 To learn more about the CIAC, visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/CIAC/Pages/CIAC.aspx.