Dane County Looks to Award Communities $1.4 Million in Grants for Clean Water Projects

June 27, 2016
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive

Dane County is again accepting applications from local municipalities for its “Urban Water Quality Grant Program” to assist with projects aimed at cleaning up urban runoff pollution in area waters, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.

 

The grants are available to help local communities construct storm water management facilities.  These basins capture trash and phosphorus-laden debris such as yard or pet waste from urban areas that would otherwise wash directly into area lakes and streams during heavy rains or snow melt.  $1.4 million is available through the grant program this year. 

 

“Our lakes, rivers, and streams are incredibly valuable resources and an integral part of our economy and quality of life,” Parisi said.  “By working together with local communities we are able get more done and stop more pollutants from getting into our waters.”

 

Since starting the grant program in 2005, Dane County has helped fund 53 projects totaling over $10 million.  These partnerships have stopped the flow of over a half million pounds of garbage and pollutants, including over 2,000 pounds of phosphorus.  Phosphorus is the main culprit causing algae growth in area lakes.  Every pound of phosphorus removed from the county’s watershed prevents 500 pounds of algae from growing.

 

For the fifth consecutive year, municipalities that propose projects in one of the county’s top ten target areas that discharge large amounts of phosphorus and sediment into the lakes will be eligible to receive a 75% county cost share grant. Other municipalities with eligible projects outside the targeted areas could receive 50% cost share.

 

In order to be considered for funding, projects must be complete by the end of 2017.  Additional funding criteria and application information are available online at: http://lwrd.countyofdane.com/wred/Assistance/uwqg.aspx.

 

The deadline for initial applications is July 31, 2016.