The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $4 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to support phosphorus reduction efforts in the western Lake Erie basin. The funds will be used for farmer outreach and technical assistance, with applications being accepted until November 22, 2024.
The western basin of Lake Erie experiences harmful algal blooms each summer. Reducing phosphorus loading from the surrounding watershed is expected to substantially reduce these blooms. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to increase resources available to help farmers improve their nutrient management.
EPA will support projects that provide technical assistance to prevent overapplication and loss of fertilizers from farm fields, particularly manure. Other goals include building capacity for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, supporting direct outreach and farmer education by extensions, industry, and farm bureaus, and incentivizing retailers, conservation agronomists, and certified crop advisors to promote minimal fertilizer application.
Qualified non-federal entities eligible to apply for grants include state agencies, local governments, interstate agencies, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations. Non-profit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible applicants. For-profit organizations, federal agencies, foreign entities, and individuals are also not eligible.
Only projects within the western basin of Lake Erie watershed are eligible. More information is available at the grants.gov link on EPA’s website.
Applicants with general and technical questions about this funding opportunity can find more information through an applicant webinar on October 9, 2024. Registration information will be available via EPA’s Funding Opportunity Website.
Curbing nutrient runoff from land which fuels harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie is a priority under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and a key commitment under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada. The U.S. and Canada agree that phosphorus loads to the western basin of Lake Erie need to be reduced by 40% to mitigate harmful algal blooms. Since 2010, GLRI has funded hundreds of projects totaling over $100 million dollars to prevent and manage these blooms.
