The DuPage County Stormwater Management Planning Committee voted Tuesday to
begin accepting grant proposals for projects aimed at improving the quality of the
County’s waterbodies.
In its 22nd year, the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant awards
funding to projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit, including restoration
and green infrastructure projects.
“I’m proud that DuPage County is offering this grant funding to our local
communities who have faced unprecedented hardships this year,” said DuPage
County Stormwater Management Committee Chairman Jim Zay. “We are continuing to
prioritize green infrastructure projects, which have both water quality and
flood control benefits.”
Under
the program, organizations and individuals may apply for reimbursement of up to
25 percent of construction costs for portions of projects that improve water
quality. During the grant’s tenure, DuPage County has awarded more than $5
million to 88 projects such as permeable paver parking lots, green roofs and native
vegetation, with approximately $300,000 awarded annually.
“Although
these grants represent a small percentage of funding, communities can leverage them
to secure state and federal funding. Last year alone, we awarded funding to six
recipients with projects totaling nearly $20 million,” added Zay.
The
WQIP grant webpage also includes past projects and common water quality enhancement
practices, as well as guidance on applying for the WQIP grant. The application
deadline is Friday, January 8, 2021. To learn more and download the application
guide, visit www.dupageco.org/WQIPgrant.
Date Posted: Wednesday, October 7, 2020