GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONTROL
The Department of Environmental Protection's
(DEP) Division of Watershed Management is seeking applicants
interested in obtaining funds for nonpoint source pollution
projects to improve water quality in local rivers and streams.
The submission deadline is September 17
for fiscal year 2002 projects. Grant awards will be announced
next year.
Nonpoint source pollution occurs when runoff
from lawns, streets, and farmland carries pesticides, animal
waste, litter, motor oil, etc. into waterways.
"These grants will go a long way towards
addressing nonpoint source pollution and ensuring clean
water for future generations," said DEP Commissioner
Bob Shinn.
The grants are one part of DEP's planning
and funding programs to protect and improve water quality
in all of the state's 20 watershed management areas.
Projects are intended to focus on specific
measures that will address existing or potential impairments
within an area that will discharge into lakes, bathing areas,
drinking water intakes, shellfish beds, and special aquatic
habitats, as well as stream corridors.
Some examples of eligible projects include:
stream bank restoration, water quality improvement actions
and development of regional stormwater management plans.
Entities that are eligible for funding
include local governments, cities, counties; regional development
centers; local school systems, colleges and universities;
local non-profit organizations; state or federal agencies;
local or county environmental commissions; and watershed
and water resource associations. Funding is authorized by
the federal Clean Water Act and may not be used on private
lands with the exception of demonstration projects.
Guidelines for proposal requirements can
be found on the Division of Watershed Management's web site
at www.state.nj.us/dep/watershedmgt,
under the Nonpoint Source Program.
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