Grants for Culvert Upgrades Available

Grants for Culvert Upgrades Available

For Immediate Release

Contact: David Madore, Communications Director, david.madore@maine.gov or (207) 287-5842

(AUGUSTA)— In an effort to improve public safety and minimize impacts on water quality and aquatic habitat, The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting proposals for projects to implement public infrastructure improvements at stream crossings, including culvert upgrades.

Beginning February 12, 2016, eligible recipients may apply for grant monies for improvements to public infrastructure. Project proposals must address improvements, modifications, repairs or upgrades to existing culverts or stream crossings. Eligible recipients must describe how the proposed project meets the following criteria:

• Benefits water quality
• Improves habitat for wildlife, fish and other aquatic life ( such as through the replacement of blocked or poorly sized culverts or stream crossings)
• Improves public safety by reducing risk of infrastructure failure (such as culvert washouts)
• Includes provisions for climate resiliency (such as flood protection, prevention and control at the project site and downstream)

A portion of the grant money may be used to cover design and engineering services related to the infrastructure improvements, up to a maximum of 8% of the grant award. The Department reserves the right to provide partial funding of proposed projects. After award of the grant, the DEP will, upon coordination with the recipient, designate a grant money expenditure deadline, and the payment schedule by which the funds will be disbursed. The Department has set a maximum grant award of $95,000.

Eligible recipients for Stream Crossing Public Infrastructure Improvement funds are individuals, businesses, municipalities, unorganized and deorganized townships, counties, soil and water conservation districts, regional planning commissions, watershed districts, and incorporated nonprofit organizations with federal tax exempt status [501(c)(3)]. State and Federal agencies are not eligible recipients. Grant awards cannot be given on culvert replacements that have already occurred. Also, monies from this grant cannot be used for any permanent land acquisitions, conservation easements, etc.

For more information please see the RFP, visit Maine DEP's website or contact Bill Laflamme at william.n.laflamme@maine.gov