Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles recently announced $345,000 in grants available to help coastal communities improve coastal water quality by limiting polluted runoff from roads and upgrading boat waste “pumpout” facilities. The grants will further Gov. Patrick’s commitment to protect the commonwealth’s coast from pollution, Bowles said.
“I am pleased to announce the next round of grants designed to protect the Massachusetts coastline, which is a haven for residents and tourists,” said Bowles. “These grants will help coastal communities keep our tidal rivers, harbors and beaches clean for fishermen, families and boaters for decades to come.”
Under the Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program of EEA’s Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), municipalities located within the Massachusetts coastal watershed are eligible for grant support. Municipalities may request up to $125,000, with a 25 percent local match required. Since 1996, the program has provided more than $5.5 million in grants to help communities improve water quality. Funding for this round of grants comes from the Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Gov. Patrick in August 2008.
Grants may be used to reduce storm water pollution and for the design, installation and upgrade of boat waste pumpout facilities, which are prerequisites for communities to apply for No Discharge Area designation.
The towns of Cohasset, Provincetown, Duxbury, Dennis, Brewster, Weymouth and Bourne received grants in fiscal year 2008.
Applications are due on Jan. 9, 2009. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2009. For more information and to obtain an application, visit www.mass.gov/czm/cprgp.htm.
Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
