Program provides grants up to $300,000 to fund projects that improve water quality in local streams and waterways
Annapolis, MD (Nov. 22, 2022) County Executive Pittman and Mayor Gavin Buckley announce the opening of the Watershed Restoration Grant Program. The deadline to submit applications is March 16, 2023.
“It takes innovative solutions and a collaborative approach to ensure the health of our waterways, said County Executive Pittman. “We will continue to partner with organizations already making a difference to get this important work done.”
The Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, and the City of Annapolis. It funds projects in Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis that reduce pollutants through the implementation of watershed restoration practices. Non-profit organizations, community associations, faith-based organizations and others are all eligible to apply for grants up to $300,000. Eligible restoration implementation/construction projects include the following:
- Bioretention cells, bioswales, rain gardens, and additional stormwater BMPs;
- Stormwater wetland and marsh creation and enhancement;
- Stream and wetland restoration;
- Regenerative conveyance systems (coastal plain outfalls, step pool storm conveyance, etc.);
- Living shorelines (on community or public property); and
- Green roofs
A virtual informational workshop will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 29, 2022. To RSVP for the workshop visit here.
Restoration design and watershed planning projects are eligible in the City of Annapolis.
“The City has a goal to improve water quality in waterways and tributaries that feed the Chesapeake Bay. We do this through our own projects, but we also rely on partners,” said Mayor Buckley. “In fact, we couldn’t do much of this work without neighborhoods, churches, environmental organizations and businesses who use these grants to make improvements. I encourage anyone with an interest to apply.”
The award program aims to improve water quality in local streams and waterways, as outlined in the County’s and the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permits. It requires reductions in storm flow volume and pollutants entering the waterways.
The deadline to submit applications for the grant is March 16, 2023 at 4:00pm EST. Projects must be implemented in Anne Arundel County, Maryland (including within the City of Annapolis), and must include at least one partner that represents a stakeholder group based in the County/City.
Applicants are urged to reach out to the Trust to discuss project ideas and schedule a site visit. Site visits must be completed by February 28, 2023 with the Trust and funding partner staff. The application and detailed information about the grant can be found on the Chesapeake Bay Trust website.