New funds available for projects that reduce pollution to waterways in the Lake Champlain Basin
The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for projects that will reduce pollution to Lake Champlain. These RFPs target innovative projects that reduce the amount of phosphorus that enters Lake Champlain from agricultural sources, and projects that implement or plan for large best management practices in the watershed.
As much as $500,000 in total is available for innovative agricultural project grants. Projects may range from farm management programs to the installation of management practices demonstrated to be successful elsewhere that have not yet been implemented in the Lake Champlain Basin. The LCBP hopes to award at least one project from this RFP that focuses on reducing phosphorus loading from tile-drained agricultural fields.
Up to $360,000 is available for projects to install or plan for best management practices at sites that require larger interventions. Projects might include tasks for shoreline stabilization, green infrastructure, stormwater management, combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction, or the purchase of equipment to be shared among entities. Eligible planning projects might include innovative green infrastructure planning at a municipal level, CSO reduction strategies, or watershed scale assessments and prioritizations.
Details about the RFPs are available at lcbp.org/grants. Electronic proposals for both grant categories must be received at grants@lcbp.org by 4:30 EST on December 21, 2017. Successful applicants will be notified in February 2018.
These projects will further the goals of the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s long-term management plan Opportunities for Action. These projects will be supported with funds awarded to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in support of the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
For more information, contact Matthew Vaughan, LCBP Technical Coordinator (802) 372-3213.