2007 Water Quality Improvement Fund Regional Grants Program
Request for Proposal

Through funds from the DCR Water Quality Improvement Act DOF has developed a Regional Grants Program which is designed to restore and/or improve riparian health through the use of tree plantings or other vegetative techniques and may include riparian buffer tree planting, stream restoration and stabilization, rain gardens and non CREP stream tree planting. The objective is to use on the ground accomplishments to obtain measurable improvement in water quality.
Funding is for $125,000 available over 2 years on a 50/50 match basis. In-kind match including volunteer time is permissible. Funding will be distributed through the six Department of Forestry regions, funding will be on a first come first serve basis.

Grants are awarded through this program to encourage local government and citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustained riparian forestry projects and programs at the local level.

To request a hard copy of the 2007 Regional Grant Application:

• Contact: Barbara White, 434.220.9041
  Ben Bradburn, 434.220.9035.

Objectives of Water Quality Improvement Fund Projects

The specific objectives of the Regional Grants Program are to:

• Restore and improve the quality of state waters and to protect them from impairment and destruction for the benefit of current and future citizens of the Commonwealth
• Provide Water Quality Improvement Grants to local governments, soil and water conservation districts, institutions of higher education and individuals for point and non-point source pollution prevention/reduction
• Achieve measurable improvements in water quality, which can include nutrient and sediment reductions as well as reduction of other pollutants

Eligible Grant Proposals and Categories

Grants may be awarded to local units of government, approved non-profit organizations, civic groups, educational institutions, private citizens or community volunteer groups for proposals which meet some, or all, of the specific program objectives.

There will be $125,000 available to fund projects during the current grant cycle. The recommended funding range for most proposals is $1,000 to $10,000. The typical proposal is in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Total project cost (including recipient matching funds or in-kind match) should be at least twice the amount requested.

The following project work areas are examples, but projects are not limited to these:

• Riparian tree planting in non-Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Areas, including urban areas and private lands.
• Storm water mitigation projects including “rain gardens”. The plantings must include trees as a part of the project.
• Stream stabilization projects, it is preferable that the plantings are a minimum of 35 feet wide.
• Stream restoration projects. It must be an approved natural stream channel design project (NSCD). The proposal must show all design work and engineering calculations including drawings and restoration costs. A forest buffer of at least 35 feet width must be planted as a part of the project. Project funding is limited to a maximum of $10,000 per project for stream restoration projects.
• Critical area stabilization. To address potential work on projects with non-point source pollution that do not fit into any existing program, but where there is genuine need. Tree planting must be included.
• State lands (State Forest, State Parks, State schools, etc.) are not eligible for this funding, private and county schools will be.
• Projects for raingardens, bioretention facilities and similar structures will not be funded for new construction projects

Proposal Format

• Background of project area and description of need
• Project Description/Scope of Work
• Deliverables/Milestones
• Expected Outcomes
• Budget

The proposal must not exceed 5 pages. Digital photos can be included in the proposal. We require local DOF staff to review the project prior to proposal submittal. All projects must have written approval from authorized representative of landholder in the form of a letter as a part of the grant application and prior to funding approval, this letter should also designate the organization responsible for the long term maintenance of the project. Entity receiving the grant must keep expenditure records and submit copies as part of the reimbursement request.

Last modified: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 20:03:57 UTC