Grants Offered for Nutrient Reduction Projects

The Great Lakes Commission has announced request for proposals (RFP) for the 2018 Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program grant program (GLSNRP).

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The GLRI is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-led initiative designed to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world – the Great Lakes.

For program year 2018, two grant options are being offered:  watershed-scale projects and site-specific projects. Grants provided under this year’s program will focus on reducing sediment and phosphorus runoff into the Great Lakes through either the installation of long-term structural practices or implementation of nutrient management/“4R” type programs. Check keepingitontheland.net/apply-for-funding for details and to access the RFP. The due date for applications is 5 pm March 26, 2018.

Applicants may submit more than one application under this RFP. The maximum request for each application will be capped at no more than $200,000. Applicants must be nonfederal units of government or incorporated nonprofit organizations. A 25 percent match will be required of each project.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the Sedimentation and Nutrient Reduction Task Force, with final decisions anticipated in June 2018. Selected projects should begin on Oct. 1, 2018, and may be up to three years in duration.