King County offers grants protecting water, restoring habitat in urban areas

Have an idea on how to protect or improve watersheds, streams, tidewaters or other portions of our water web? Or maybe your volunteer organization or community group has an on-the-ground project for restoring habitat in urban areas?

In either scenario, King County has a grant program that could provide the funds necessary to get the job done. But don’t delay: The deadline for pre-application is Sept. 22, and final applications are due Oct. 15.

Here are the details on the two types of grants:

 “Waterworks” grants for funds up to $60,000 are available for on-the-ground community projects that protect or improve watersheds, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and tidewater. Projects must have a demonstrable positive impact on the waters of King County or south Snohomish County and must:
         • Improve or protect water quality and water dependent habitats; or
         • Demonstrate the beneficial use of biosolids, reclaimed water or stormwater.
 
Projects specifically designed to benefit salmon will no longer be considered for funding with a Waterworks grant this fall, but will be eligible in 2009.

“Wild Places in City Spaces” grants for funds up to $10,000 are available to volunteer organizations, community groups and government agencies for on-the-ground projects reforesting urban areas and restoring habitat within the Urban Growth Area of King County and its incorporated cities.

Two types of grants are available under this program: “Small Change for a Big Difference” non-competitive grants can be awarded for amounts of up to $2,499, while competitive grants for amounts of $2,500 to $10,000 include a ranking process that compares proposed projects for the greatest impact at the best value.

All applicants, no matter the amount of the request, must submit a pre-application by Sept. 22.  For more information about these grants and for a pre-application, visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/grants.htm. More information is also available by contacting Ken Pritchard, 206-296-8265, or ken.pritchard@kingcounty.gov.

Related Information

Grant Exchange Homepage

King County Water and Land Resources