Posted Nov. 11, 2014

Eligible groups can now apply for grants to support projects that will improve water quality in Iowa.

Approximately $830,000 is available through the Watershed Improvement Review Board to support qualifying projects, according to Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

Funds are available to local watershed improvement committees, soil and water conservation districts, public water supply utilities, county conservation boards, cities and counties.

Funds are typically matched with other funds by the organizations receiving assistance and will support a variety of projects across the state focusing on protecting water quality and improving the health of the state’s waterways.

Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, those addressing agricultural runoff and drainage, flood prevention, stream bank erosion, municipal discharge, storm water runoff, unsewered communities, industrial discharge and livestock runoff.

Each project can request up to $250,000 in funding. The grants will be under contract to implement the projects for a maximum timeframe of April 2015 to December 2017.

Potential applicants should review the RFA in full at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/IWIRB/iwirbRFA.asp to make sure their proposal qualifies.

All applications are due on Monday, Dec. 29, and will be reviewed in January 2015, when grant recipients will be announced by the Watershed Improvement Review Board.

The board is comprised of representatives from agriculture, drinking water and wastewater utilities, environmental organizations, agribusiness and the conservation community, along with two state senators and two state representatives.

Application materials can be downloaded at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/IWIRB/iwirbRFA.asp. To receive more information or ask questions, contact Jerry Neppel at (515) 281-3599.