Jefferson City, Mo.

        The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for project funding that will protect Missouri's waters from nonpoint source pollution. Grant awards typically range from $5,000 to $400,000, and projects can last up to four years. Educational institutions, local governments and not-for-profit organizations are eligible for the funding.
        Projects eligible for funding include those that address nonpoint
source pollution through information, education, demonstration,
implementation or technical assistance. Projects that improve riparian
habitat along stream banks, include specific water quality monitoring, or
have a watershed-based approach to protecting rivers, lakes and streams
are also eligible. Research projects are not eligible.
        These "319" nonpoint source grants are provided through the
federal Clean Water Act (Section 319). Nonpoint source pollution occurs
when pollution is released from many locations making the sources
difficult to identify and control. For instance, storm water runoff,
snowmelt and irrigation can carry pollutants such as garden fertilizers,
construction debris, sediment and pesticides into nearby waters.
        Funding for the grant program comes from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The deadline for optional one-page pre-proposals is Feb. 15. Final
applications are due by May 16. For a copy of the request for proposals or
an application packet, contact Darlene Schaben, Water Protection Program
at 1-800-361-4827 or (573) 751-7428. For more information or questions
about the application, contact Greg Anderson with the Water Protection
Program at (573) 751-7144.
For more information on the Water Protection Program, visit
www.dnr.mo.gov/wpscd/wpcp. 

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming events, meetings and hearings, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/oac/calendar.htm.

Candy Schilling
(573) 522-9913