MetroEnvironment Partnership Grant Program

NOTE: THE METROENVIRONMENT GRANT PROGRAM ENDED IN 2005. THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL IS NOT ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS, AND AT THIS TIME THERE ARE NO PLANS TO FUND A SIMILAR GRANT PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE

Purpose
The purpose of MetroEnvironment Partnership Grant Program is to improve the water quality of Metro Area lakes and rivers by reducing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution through education and implementation grants. This grant program is in direct alignment with the Council's mission. Introduction

In the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area studies have shown nonpoint source pollution is a major contributor to water quality problems in streams, rivers, and lakes. On November 13, 1998, the Metropolitan Council (Council), and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding designed to focus on abating nonpoint sources of pollution to Metropolitan Area lakes and rivers.

In accord with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the MetroEnvironment Partnership program was established to provide grants to address nonpoint source pollution planning, education, and remediation.

• Eligibility criteria and rules for the grant program
• Ranking criteria
• Grant application form for implementation or education projects

Generally, projects will be evaluated on the following:

• The overall strength of the proposal
• The primary purpose of the project addresses nonpoint source pollution
• Likelihood of project changing land use conservation and environmental stewardship practices and behaviors
• Project is reflected in or helps implement watershed or local plans

The Council's highest priority are proposals to minimize or eliminate the movement of solids and chemical constituents from the landscape to area rivers, streams, and lakes.