Posted Dec. 27, 2013

Eligible groups must apply for grants by Feb. 28, 2014, through the Watershed Improvement Review Board
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced in mid-December that approximately $1 million is available through the Watershed Improvement Review Board to support qualifying water quality projects in the state and he encouraged eligible groups to apply for grants.

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.

At least $146,000 will be awarded to support projects focused on implementing the Iowa Water Quality Initiative.

Each project can request up to $300,000 in funding over three years.

Potential applicants should review the RFA in full to make sure their proposal qualifies.

All applications are due on Friday, February 28, 2014 and will be reviewed in March 2014 by the Watershed Improvement Review Board. A funding announcement is expected to be made in April.

Application materials can be downloaded from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at www.iowaagriculture.gov/IWIRB/iwirbRFA.asp.

To receive more information or ask questions, contact Jerry Neppel at (515) 281-3599.