Press Releases
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Announces Grant Program in Partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust
For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 18, 2016
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announced an opportunity for non-profit organizations such as local watershed groups, community associations, service and civic groups, and faith-based organizations to apply to the Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program. The Trust is now accepting proposals from organizations to perform various activities that improve communities and watersheds and educate residents about stormwater and watershed protection in Montgomery County. Applicants may request up to $100,000.
“The County is excited to announce the second year of this program with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Last year, $370,756 in grant funding was awarded to 13 grassroots organizations to improve our stream health by engaging our residents, and promoting and installing projects that reduce stormwater pollution like rain gardens,” said Lisa Feldt, director, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. “Any non-profit with an innovative, collaborative and sustainable project approach to managing stormwater and community engagement should apply. Engaging watershed groups and other nonprofits to support our outreach, education, and implementation efforts is critical to restoring local streams and rivers.”
The program goal is to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants through community-based, on-the-ground restoration implementation projects, as well as projects focused on public engagement through education, outreach, and stewardship. Projects occurring in Montgomery County, outside the municipalities of Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park, are encouraged to apply. There will be an informational session about the grant program and application process on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League of America in Gaithersburg.
The grant program is funded through Montgomery County’s water quality protection charge and aims to promote initiatives and projects that will improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways, as called for in the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and Implementation Strategy. Past funded projects include: engaging faith-based organizations in tree plantings on their grounds to increase urban tree canopies, community cistern installations, and supporting the program design and development of a Montgomery County Watershed Stewards Academy to educate and empower resident watershed stewards.
“The Chesapeake Bay Trust is pleased to be partnering with Montgomery County to administer grants that engage residents in improving our communities and our local streams and rivers,” said Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Our goal is to get residents connected with the outdoors, provide them the resources to make and own positive change, and to show our neighbors that improved natural resources improve our communities”
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on October 6. To learn more and review the request for proposals, visit www.cbtrust.org/montcountywatershedgrant or contact Jeffrey Popp at 410-974-2941, x103.
Media Contact: Ryan Zerbe 240-777-7744