The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative announced today its request for proposals to fund watershed improvement and protection projects across the state. Up to $500,000 in total funding will be available through a competitive application process.
Projects that will be considered for funding must accomplish the following goals: protect and maintain the state’s watersheds; prevent watersheds from becoming impaired; and accelerate restoration successes on impaired streams.
“This initiative has built a strong track record over the past five years, resulting in increased educational outreach within communities and healthier water resources for all Tennesseans. This funding is an opportunity to continue with that good work, supporting projects that protect and restore our water resources while continuing to establish collaborative partnerships that promote strong environmental stewardship throughout the state.” said Dr. Shari Meghreblian, Deputy Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
The request for proposals and applications will be available until Nov. 18.
Launched in 2011, the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative began under a Memorandum of Understanding, executed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the West Tennessee River Basin Authority. The initiative provided a structure to bring together governmental, private and community groups with an interest in the health of Tennessee’s watersheds. More than $1.4 million has been awarded to 16 projects throughout Tennessee since its inception.
For more information, visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/article/wr-ws-tennessee-healthy-watershed-initiative.