The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative announced on Monday its plans to fund new watershed improvement and protection projects, with a focus on four of the Initiative’s Strategic Investment Areas. Areas of focus are Regional Water Planning; Restoration Projects; Scientific Research and Monitoring; and Protection of Waters and Wetlands. Up to $637,500 in funding will support projects across the state beginning in August 2014, lasting through December 2016.
The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is requesting proposals for new projects to fund across Tennessee. The deadline for new proposals is March 21. To view the Request for Proposals and to learn more about the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative, visit http://www.tn.gov/environment/water/water_tn-healthy-watershed-initiative.shtml.
Launched in August 2011, the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is the result of a partnership among the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the West Tennessee River Basin Authority. The initiative’s primary goal is to maintain and improve water resources across the state by bringing together the public, landowners, resource management agencies, and conservation-focused organizations to promote communication, collaboration, and thoughtful water resources planning.
“Partnerships like this are an important part of TVA’s continuing stewardship mission. By coordinating our efforts to assess, plan, and implement watershed management efforts, we will build stronger partnerships and become more effective at protecting our water resources,” said Rebecca Tolene, vice president of Natural Resources for the Tennessee Valley Authority. “We look forward to seeing the results of this group effort.”
“The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is playing a vital role in engaging stakeholders to work together to continue protecting and restoring our rivers; ultimately resulting in healthier communities,” added Dr. Shari Meghreblian, deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
New watershed projects will add to the wide variety funded across the state by the Initiative. To date 11 projects have been completed or are in progress; and all will be complete by fall 2014. Dedication ceremonies for two projects, one in west Tennessee (Shelby County) and one in east Tennessee (Knox County) will happen this spring.