On August 4, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $1.3 million in fiscal year 2022 for Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program grants to allow nonprofit organizations to undertake acid mine drainage reclamation projects.

The deadline for applications is September 20.

The money will allow local watershed restoration groups and other nonprofit organizations to partner with states to help further the impact of the historic investment in acid mine drainage cleanup provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

These investments promote healthy watersheds, support clean drinking water, productive fisheries and outdoor recreation, and ultimately provide a positive impact for local economies, the environment and overall quality of life for local residents.

WCAP grants are capped at a maximum of $100,000 per project to complete local acid mine drainage reclamation projects.

Projects can include installation of passive or active water treatment systems, including repairs and renovations and reclamation of lands that are contributing sediment or acid forming materials to streams.

Nonprofit watershed restoration groups and other non-profit organizations are invited to submit proposals for Watershed Cooperative Agreement program awards to restore the health of local streams and provide community recreational opportunities.

To be eligible for WCAP grants, applicants must be a not-for-profit organization, including minority-serving institutions, that are tax exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code B. Organizations are encouraged to have partners contributing either funds or in-kind services to the project.

Click Here for all the details on how to apply.   Click Here for examples of funded projects.

Related Article:

-- Pennsylvania Eligible To Apply For Its 2nd $244.9 Million Federal Grant To Clean Up Abandoned Mines Under Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  [PaEN]

[Posted: August 5, 2022]

8/8/2022