Mo’ Money ….From More Places….

Rita Coleman, PA DEP

Overview

Grant Programs Other Sources of Money What Impresses Grant Reviewers Common Errors in Grant Applications What Makes a Successful Grant Application Plan for Success!!

Grant Programs

EPA Section 319 Non-point Source DCNR – Rivers Conservation Plans/Projects Growing Greener AMD 30% Set-A-Side Program PennVest – NPS (New)

Other Sources of Money

Mini Grants – WREN www.pa.lwv.org/WREN– Coldwater Heritage Partnership (DCNR, PFBC & TU)

www.patrout.org TreeVitalize – DCNR ($1 per planted tree)

www.Tree.Vitalize.net REAP – Resource Enhancement & Protection

Program – Pa tax credits for Ag BMPS www.agriculture.state.pa.us/REAP

Mitigation Projects – applicants for 105 Water Obstruction & Encroachment permits

EPA Section 319 NPS Grants

$3-4 million annually 1st Priority - implementation projects:

– to improve an impaired stream– or achieve load reduction for TMDL– in priority watershed with Watershed

Implementation Plans (WIPs)

2nd Priority - projects outside of priority watershed

Growing Greener I

Environmental Stewardship & Watershed Protection Act (December 1999) No Sunset!

Annual Fund Range $70-86 million 4 Agencies Receive Money DEP Portion of Money for:

– Watershed Restoration & Protection– AMD Remediation– Abandoned Oil & Gas Well Plugging

Growing Greener II – 2005 Act 45

$625 Bond - $230 to DEP Funded Construction Projects Only All Money Has Been Spent/Committed County Environmental Initiative – $90 million

to counties for their priority projects GG I Money Pays for Bond Debt Until 2026

Decreasing Amount of GGI Money Available Bond Debt Range ( $26-60 million/year)

Growing Greener I: Applicants

Incorporated Watershed/Non-Profit Organizations

Counties & Local Government Conservation Districts Educational Institutes

Growing Greener I: Projects

Development of Watershed Plan Project Design and/or Construction Operation, Maintenance & Repair Technical Assistance Evaluation, Assessment or Monitoring Tools Education/Outreach

AMD 30% Set-A-Side Program

Federal Money to Address:Mine drainage problems (treatment, OM&R) within

approved or qualifying hydrologic units (26) ’09-’10 Money: $15 million – 2 Active Plants ’10-’11 Money: $13 million “11-’12 Money Ramps Up & Peaks 2020 BAMR Draft Implementation Guidelines

www.dep.state.pa.us search AMD Set-A-Side

PennVest – Non-Point Source $$

Loans and Grants to Improve Water Quality 20% of Annual Amount ($300 million) for:

– Green Infrastructure (separate stormwater)– Energy Efficiency Projects ( meters, pumps)– Non-Point Source Pollution Reduction

AMD & Brownfields Remediation Best Management Practices (Ag, Stormwater) On-lot Septic Systems Nutrient Trading

PennVest – NPS Money

Applicants – Municipal Entities (Con Districts) 2011 Plan to Expand to Private & Non-Profits Online Applications Only Next 3 Rounds: May 18, Aug 31, Feb 15 Grants Are Reimbursement Only Grants vs. Loans – depends on cost, location

& median household income (affordability) Applicants Need an Attorney for Closing

PennVest – NPS Requirements

Project (even AMD & Ag) Consistent with:– Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan or– Municipal Stormwater Control Ordinance or– NPDES MS4 Permit Work

2011 Plan to Change Statute for AMD & Ag All Permits Must Be In-Hand DEP Rates/Scores Projects for PennVest More Info Contact PennVest Project Specialist

www.pennvest.state.pa.us

PennVest – Bay Nutrient Trading

PennVest Role – Middle “Man” Auction Window to Buy & Sell BMP Credits Matches Buyers & Sellers Absorb Some Perceived Risk 1st Auction Summer 2010

What Impresses Grant Reviewers

Clear, Concise Proposals Do-Able Projects Successful Track Records Partnerships Match Money – Diverse Funding Benefit : Cost – Best Bang for Buck Groups with Vision & Plan

Common Errors in Grants

Too Much on Problem Too Little on Solution Expects Reviewer to Read Between Lines Unrealistic Budget Items Inflated or Undocumented Match Lack of Photos or Data

Successful Grant Applications

Follow Application Instructions Address Grant Source Priorities Fit Project into An Overall Plan Contain Realistic Budgets Show Partnering Efforts (money & services) Clearly Identify Projects’ Objectives Provide Implementation Details (tasks, times)

Plan for Success!!

Watershed Plan Organizational Development Plan

– Membership– Volunteers– Board of Directors– Fundraising

Great Reference: www.fayettecd.org/files/Watersheds_Workbook.pdf