EPA Announces Urban Waters Small Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will provide funding for projects across the country to protect Americans’ health and help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land.

According to the EPA, the purpose of the small grants is to fund projects, training, and research that will advance restoration of urban waters by improving water quality and community access. EPA expects to award $1.8 million in grants for projects across the country. Examples of projects eligible for funding may include:

• Education and training for water quality improvement or green infrastructure jobs
• Public education about ways to reduce water pollution
• Local water quality monitoring programs
• Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans
• Innovative projects that promote local water quality and community revitalization goals

Funding proposals must be received by EPA by January 23, 2012. The applications may be found here. Answer to frequently asked questions, such as applicant eligibility, project eligibility, and timing may be found here. EPA will hold two web-based seminars on this funding opportunity on December 14, 2011, and January 5, 2012. Registration for the seminars is available here. EPA expects to award the grants in summer 2012.

For more information regarding this matter, please contact Eric Adair or the KMTG attorney with whom you normally consult.