Since 2012 through and unique and forwarding thinking partnership. Monroe County Stormwater Utilities and Soil & Water Conservation District have combined resources to bring to the residents of unincorporated Monroe County educational, technical and financial assistance in regard to their drainage and/or stormwater concerns. One major focus of this partnership is the Raingarden Initiative which is a component of the Mini Grants program. With the Raingarden Initiative one can request technical guidance from the staff at the Stormwater Utilities and then if that resident chooses to pursue the installation they can apply for financial assistance through the Soil & Water Conservation District. The Raingarden Initiative Mini Grants are reimbursable grants at a rate of 75% of the total project up to a maximum of $500 per raingarden and application are taken year-round. In addition to the Rain Garden Initiative, there is funding available for additional Mini Grant applications for issues such as: Severe Erosion caused by stormwater in back yards, driveways, agricultural fields, along roadways, etc.; Water catchment systems for stormwater collection from structures; Drainage issues from clogged outlet areas; Stormwater runoff improvements to reduce agricultural pollutants in the water ways; and other inventive stormwater reducing or control projects. These mini grants are also paid out at a rate of 75% of the total project up to a maximum of $2000. With one project per property per year and priority is given to applicants that have not previously applied. These mini grants are done on an annual basis based on funding availability. Apply for a Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District/Stormwater Partnership Mini Grant click here: Apply
State Funding
SWCD's have multiple funding opportunities at the state level. Each of these vary depending upon different factors if they are available at any given time. Clean Water Indiana through State Soil Conservation Board: The Clean Water Indiana (CWI) Program was established to provide financial assistance to landowners and conservation groups. The financial assistance supports the implementation of conservation practices which will reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution through education, technical assistance, training, and cost sharing programs. The CWI fund is administered by the Division of Soil Conservation under the direction of the State Soil Conservation Board. Lake And River Enhancement (LARE) funds through DNR: The goal of the Division of Fish & Wildlife's Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Program is to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, and to insure the continued viability of Indiana's publicly accessible lakes and streams for multiple uses, including recreational opportunities. This is accomplished through measures that reduce non-point sediment and nutrient pollution of surface waters to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards. 319(h) and 205(j) through IDEM: The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Section in the Office of Water Quality manages two federal pass-through grant programs aimed at improving water quality in the state: Section 319(h) and Section 205(j); each named after the portion of the Clean Water Act that authorizes the program. The Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement TMDLs and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40 percent (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided. Projects are administered through grant agreements that spell out the tasks, schedule and budget for the project. Projects are normally two to three years long and work to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in the watershed primarily through:
Federal Funding
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility. How It Works: This voluntary conservation programs helps producers make conservation work for them. Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations.Additional Federal Funding Options can be found at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/