A $750,000 grant program is accepting proposals for projects to improve water quality in the county.
The county’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, per a release. The funding is for “local, community-driven” projects that aim to enhance water quality.
Projects cannot be in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park because those municipalities manage their own stormwater, per the release. Projects throughout the rest of the county are eligible.
County nonprofit groups like local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations and service and civic groups may be eligible for grants from $40,000-$100,000.
The grant program will accept applications in these categories: public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration projects, tree planting and restoration projects, and litter-reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed. The program is accepting proposals for projects like planting trees, installing permeable pavers, and building rain gardens, per the release.
The request for proposals and more information can be found on the grant program webpage. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14.
In a written statement, County Executive Marc Elrich said, “By supporting these projects that address stormwater runoff and pollution, promote education and foster stewardship, we are empowering local organizations to play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining the health of our waterways.”
The area was put under a drought watch in late July.
The county and the Chesapeake Bay Trust have administered the program for the past 10 years. It is funded by the county’s Water Quality Protection Fund. According to Elrich, the grant has given $5.6 million to 123 projects over the past 10 years.
