The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Approximately $138,000 in grant funding is available to units and subunits of government, education institutions, and non-profit organizations to carry out projects that will help protect the state’s drinking water sources.

Many Nebraska communities are currently protecting their drinking water source with the help and guidance of the state’s Wellhead Protection and Source Water Assessment programs. Additional assistance has been available since 2003, when money set aside from the State Revolving Loan Fund became available to provide grants for source water protection projects.

Most source water protection activities that address drinking water quality, quantity, security, and/or education are eligible for grant funding. Proposed projects will be assigned to one of the following categories:

• Local (source-specific) projects - Grant funds will be used to implement protection activities in existing source water protection areas, designated future source water protection areas, and the associated communities. Eligible projects must address drinking water education as a component of the project.
• Regional (non source-specific) projects – Eligible projects would impact more than one community, and must be widely transferable, such as source water education exhibits, media campaigns, and county planning projects.

Proposals must be received by the Lincoln office of the Department of Environmental Quality no later than 3 p.m. August 7, 2009, or postmarked on or before the due date to be considered for funding. Proposals sent by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

For more information, go to DEQ website https://dee.nebraska.gov/home or if you have a question, please contact: Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509-8922 or call 402-471-6988 or toll free, 1-877-253-2603.