Montgomery County is taking a stand for clear water, pouring $900,000 into grants for local efforts to improve water quality. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), alongside the Chesapeake Bay Trust, has rolled out the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program designed to back nonprofit organizations with initiatives to enhance the health of local streams and the broader waterways. In a statement obtained by Montgomery County’s government website, organizations such as watershed groups, faith-based outfits, and civic entities are invited to seek funds, with grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 each.
Applications are open until November 13, at 4:00 p.m., marking this 11th year of concerted effort to preserve the integrity of the local environment. Yet, the grant’s geographic eligibility is specific; projects must fall outside the stormwater-managed municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park. These funds trace their source to the County’s Water Quality Protection Fund, symbolizing a local resolve to do the environmental work many feel was neglected at the federal level throughout the Trump era.
"Last year, we awarded nearly $750,000 in Clean Water Montgomery grants. This year, we are increasing this fund to $900,000," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Protecting our streams and waterways takes partnerships. These organizations are on the frontlines of conservation. Yet, many environmental nonprofits face increased challenges because the Trump Administration has turned its back on providing resources needed for a cleaner environment. That makes our local investments even more important. By working together at the community level, we can keep moving forward on clean water and environmental protection, even when the federal government refuses to lead." Echoing this sentiment, DEP Director Jon Monger emphasized the significance of community involvement, stating, "Montgomery County’s important work on watershed restoration and water quality improvement can’t be done alone," as the county's official website reported.
The program seeks various projects across four categories, including public outreach, community-based restoration, water quality monitoring, and litter reduction efforts – particularly in the Anacostia River Watershed. Dr. Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust, highlighted the impact of empowering local players: "Empowering everyday people and local organizations to own conservation projects for their communities leads to lasting change," she said in a statement endorsed by Montgomery County.
