The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, has awarded $748,000 in grants to fund 19 community projects aimed at improving local water quality. These grants, part of the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program, will support initiatives that focus on stream health, reducing stormwater runoff, and promoting sustainable practices, as per the Montgomery County website.
The grants, ranging from $20,000 to $75,000, will fund various projects across Montgomery County. These initiatives include conservation landscaping at Wat Thai Washington, D.C., and a watershed stewardship program for South Asian American communities in Silver Spring and Germantown.
According to the Montgomery County release, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted the importance of these grants in enhancing the county's environmental health, stating, "Over the past decade, this program has provided approximately $6.5 million in funding. We are confident that this year's grants will continue to enhance the long-term health and sustainability of our environment, benefiting communities throughout the County."
The grants also prioritize projects that support communities of color and low-income groups. DEP Director Jon Monger noted in the same release, "This year, 37 percent of the awards went to organizations directly benefitting these communities. Through this initiative, these organizations are fostering environmental stewardship and engaging individuals to take action. From litter cleanups to water quality sampling and conservation landscaping, this funding not only educates but also enhances the health of our local waterways." Some of the funded projects include educational initiatives on ecological road salt application.
Organizations interested in applying for future grants are encouraged to contact the Chesapeake Bay Trust before the program reopens for applications each August. These projects aim to make a positive impact on local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
