Up To $20 Million Available From EPA for 2012 Great Lakes Restoration Projects

For Immediate Release No. 12-OPA24

Up To $20 Million Available From EPA for 2012 Great Lakes Restoration Projects

(CHICAGO - April 19, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it is requesting applications from states, municipalities, tribes, universities and nonprofit organizations for new projects to restore and protect the Great Lakes. EPA will distribute approximately $20 million through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant program during Fiscal Year 2012.

"These grants will support critical work to restore the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to 30 million Americans and support a multi-billion dollar economy," said EPA Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman.

Grants will be available on a competitive basis to fund a wide range of projects in the Great Lakes basin, including work to target invasive species, to protect public health, and to reduce the impact of toxic substances and nonpoint source pollution.

"The work funded by these grants will protect waters that are essential to the health and jobs of millions of Americans," said Hedman.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 24. Webinars on the application process will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, and at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 14.

More information about applying for EPA’s GLRI grants in the 2012 Request for Applications is available at www.epa.gov/grtlakes/fund/2012rfa01.

More information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is available at www.glri.us.