Montgomery County is hoping local groups can help mitigate stormwater runoff in the region.
The county announced Wednesday it has partnered with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to fund restoration and outreach programs dedicated to reducing stormwater runoff in the area.
Grants up to $50,000 will be awarded to local nonprofits, civic organizations, community associations or faith-based organizations who present project ideas to manage stormwater in the county.
The projects could focus on outreach, such as educating homeowners how to deal with runoff on their properties, neighborhood projects or small-scale projects, such as installing rain gardens or efforts to manage pet waste.
“This innovative program encourages on-the-ground restoration projects as well as outreach and engagement activities that reduce stormflow and pollutants and engage Montgomery County residents,” said Fariba Kassiri, acting director of the county’s department of environmental protection, in a statement. “Montgomery County has a responsibility to meet regulatory watershed restoration and water quality improvement goals. However, significant effort is needed from individuals and community-based groups as well, since the amount of privately owned land far exceeds the amount of county-owned land.”
The deadline to apply for grants is Dec. 4.