For immediate release: November 20, 2009

 

DEADLINE FOR I-JOBS STORMWATER GRANT IS DEC. 1

 

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jeff Berckes, DNR Watershed Improvement, at (515) 281-4791 or [log in to unmask]; or Allen Bonini, DNR Watershed Improvement, at (515) 281-5107 or [log in to unmask]

 

DES MOINES — The DNR is still taking applications for a new grant program aimed to help improve urban water quality while also creating jobs for Iowans. 

 

Governor Chet Culver and the DNR have been encouraging cities, schools, businesses and other groups to apply for the I-JOBS Green Urban Stormwater program. I-JOBS, the Culver-Judge job and infrastructure initiative, includes $80 million in funds for water quality and environmental projects.

 

Announced in September, the I-JOBS Green Urban Stormwater grant program has more than $1.4 million to help Iowa organizations design and build post-construction green urban stormwater practices.

 

Urban green stormwater practices, such as bioswales, rain gardens and permeable pavement, help slow and filter rain water as it runs off urban surfaces. As it runs across lawns and pavement, stormwater can pick up pollutants like soil, fertilizers, pet waste and oil. Rain water washes into storm sewers, which dump the water into a local stream or lake without any treatment.

 

Materials to help applicants have been added to the DNR Web site, including editable application forms and an FAQ document with answers to the most common questions received. The application and other materials can be accessed at www.iowadnr.gov/rfp.html under the title “I-JOBS Improved Green Urban Stormwater Best Management Practices.” The deadline for all applications is 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2009. 

 

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