WaterWorks Grant informational workshops set for May 19, 23 and 24

King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is offering $1,860,000 in funding for community-driven projects

To bolster local efforts to protect water quality, control pollution and build healthy communities, King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is offering $1,860,000 in funding for community-driven projects through its Waterworks Grant Program.

Prospective applicants are invited to learn about the grant program, eligibility criteria and the new application process at one of three informational workshops this month.

WaterWorks Grant Application Workshop, Seattle

Friday, May 19, Noon to 1 p.m.

201 S. Jackson St., Fourth Floor

Seattle

WaterWorks Grant Application Workshop, Bellevue

Tuesday, May 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Northwest Art Center

9825 Northeast 24th Street

Bellevue

WaterWorks Grant Application Workshop, Tukwila

Wednesday, May 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Tukwila Community Center, Room A

12424 42nd Avenue S.

Tukwila

Nonprofits, schools, cities, counties, special purpose districts and tribes are eligible to apply for the grants. To promote partnerships and community engagement, groups are encouraged to work together on projects. Prospective applicants will be able to meet county employees who can discuss proposal ideas and answer questions about the application process.

A total of $1,860,000 will be available in 2017, with a minimum and maximum award of $20,000 to $250,000.

Letters of intent, the first step in the application process, are due on Friday, June 7, at 5 p.m. Get more details on the application process online.

The criteria for grant application eligibility include:

• Creating a benefit to King County sewer utility ratepayers and water quality improvements within WTD’s service area.

• Demonstrating that water quality benefits are related to the WTD’s regional water quality responsibilities.

Examples of the type of projects eligible for funding include:

• Addressing a water quality problem or creating a project to maintain water quality.

• Addressing water contaminants, i.e. pollution prevention, source identification, fats/oils/grease, product stewardship, emerging chemicals, etc.

• Protecting or improving watersheds, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and tidewaters.

• Providing education, on the ground improvement projects, programs, research, technology development, or related ideas.

• Building awareness of water quality and environmental protection and promotion of behavioral changes for improved water quality gains/outcomes.

For more information about WTD’s WaterWorks Grants, please call grants administrator Elizabeth Loudon at 206-477-4297, email Water.Grants@kingcounty.gov or visit the WaterWorks Grants website at www.kingcounty.gov/waterworks-grants.