Grant proposals due Aug. 20 for surface water planning projects

Delaware municipal and county governments, conservation districts and estuary programs can now submit proposals to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to receive matching grants for their surface water project planning. Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Eligible projects include planning, preliminary engineering and feasibility analysis of surface water projects; stormwater retrofits; green technology practices; stream and wetland restoration projects; small watershed studies; master plans for surface water and drainage projects; and other source water pollution-control projects.

Grant applications of up to $50,000 will be considered, with a one-to-one cash match requirement. Up to 10% of the grant funds may be used for administrative costs. There is an annual cumulative grant award cap of $100,000 per successful applicant per fiscal year for surface water planning grants.

The Surface Water Matching Planning Grant program is a set-aside in the state’s Clean Water Revolving Fund. The grants support projects and activities that focus on reducing surface water runoff and improving water quality in impaired watersheds.

Projects will be recommended for funding by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council through a competitive grant process.

To submit proposals, email James Sullivan at NPS.Grants@delaware.gov with Surface Water Matching Planning Grant in the subject line.