MWCD Board Approves $90,000 in Grants to Improve Water Quality
Joe Lyons •
August 6, 2024
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is now accepting applications for the Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) Development Fund. This newly created fund is intended to assist communities in developing a 9-element nonpoint source implementation strategy for watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin and implement them through conservation programs and projects, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects.
Nonpoint source pollution does not come from a single, identifiable source, such as an industrial facility or residence, but instead is created collectively from multiple diffuse sources, such as agriculture or forestry, construction activities or even highways. Because the sources are difficult to pin down, it can be difficult to correct and, therefore, requires larger, community-wide strategies to effectively address.
A NPS-IS is a strategic planning document that summarizes the causes of nonpoint source water impairments and identifies projects to address them. Each watershed has its own unique list of issues, and each plan will be unique to properly address those issues. Most of all, an approved NPS-IS opens the door to funding opportunities through both state and federal organizations that are otherwise unavailable.
“This fund represents a significant step forward in supporting MWCD’s neighboring communities as they work to improve water quality and manage flood risks,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “By assisting with the development of these strategic plans, we are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term environmental and economic benefits throughout the Muskingum River Basin.”
The new fund aims to reimburse up to 75% of a community’s costs associated with developing a nonpoint source implementation strategy (NPS-IS), up to $9,000.00 per plan. The grant opportunity provides assistance to local agencies and groups involved in projects and programs that support the conservation and flood control aspects of MWCD’s mission as outlined in the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD.
The deadline to apply is October 1, 2024. The application is available online at www.MWCD.org and can be emailed to Rome Marinelli, Watershed Coordinator at rmarinelli@mwcd.org.