Ann Arbor, Mich. — The Great Lakes Commission is seeking grant applications for local projects to improve water quality through the reduction of soil erosion and sedimentation under the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.

Funding is available for projects the following categories: Demonstration projects involving measures to physically limit erosion or sedimentation; program development to strengthen existing infrastructure for erosion and sediment control; and information and education efforts.

It is expected that up to $2 million will be available for grants in the current funding cycle. Small-scale grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded in each of the three categories, with an additional category for large-scale demonstration projects of up to $125,000. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2005.

The application process is open to units of state and local government, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations in the United States with an interest in or mandate to address soil erosion, sedimentation and related water quality issues within the Great Lakes drainage basin. U.S. federal agencies, public and private Canadian organizations, and private landowners may not apply directly, but are encouraged to participate as project partners with eligible applicants.

All proposed projects must be explicitly relevant to the reduction of soil erosion and/or contribute to sedimentation control. For demonstration and program assistance grants, projects must show a measurable reduction of soil erosion commensurate with the size of the project. No grants will be made for planning, inventories or research.

All applications must be submitted electronically. For more information and directions on how to apply, see www.glc.org/basin/funding.html

The Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as authorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The program is administered by the Great Lakes Commission. Funding decisions will depend on the availability of funds and the program’s review process.

Other information on the program, including past grants, news updates, funding information and an extensive list of project management tools is available at projects.glc.org/basin/.

For immediate release: December 20, 2004
Contact: Gary Overmier, [email protected], office: 734-971-9135

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The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Thomas Huntley (Minn.), is a nonpartisan, binational compact agency established under state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of state legislators, agency officials, and governors’ appointees from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a “Declaration of Partnership.” The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.