The Department of Environmental Protection announced it is accepting projects for nomination to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Targeted Watershed Grant Program. and will help applicants with EPA Watershed Capacity Grants.

The deadline for nominations to DEP is September 22.

Up to $16 million available nationally for watershed-based protection projects. Projects selected for funding will be awarded up to $900,000 each over a three to five year period. A 25 percent non-federal match is required.

DEP is requesting that eligible grantees who believe they could compete in the nationwide process for an Implementation grant and who would like to be considered for nomination should submit a proposal following the EPA guidance.

Submission of two hard copies plus a CD of all materials is preferred. DEP will select a number of proposals that address Pennsylvania’s watershed restoration and protection priorities for submission to EPA by the November 13 deadline.

DEP is also requesting that eligible grantees applying for the Capacity Building grants provide a copy of the proposal to DEP when submitting their request to EPA. The Department may be able to provide assistance if questions arise about your proposal package.

Questions should be directed to Sidney Freyermuth at DEP, Bureau of Watershed Management, 717-772-5977 or send e-mail to sfreyermut@state.pa.us .

8/25/2006