Agencies Partner To Offer Green Development Grants

  • Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will once again partner with the Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA), the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tennessee Department of Transportation to offer a grant program designed to help local governments fund green infrastructure and low-impact development projects.

A total of $200,000 in grant funds will be available for allocation over the next two years. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 will be awarded to local governments through a competitive process for projects such as rain gardens, green roofs, pervious concrete applications, trees and tree boxes, in addition to outreach and education efforts designed to promote green development in Tennessee communities. The grants require a 20 percent local match.

“We are pleased to be in a position to offer this funding resource, helping local communities improve Tennessee’s water quality, while working to meet their stormwater management goals through creative design and green development practices,” said Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian.

"Investing in the Green Development Grants program gives the Tennessee Department of Transportation the opportunity to help local governments implement best management practices, while supporting overall improvements to local infrastructure,” said Assistant Commissioner Toks Omishakin, chief of TDOT's Environment and Planning Bureau.

This year’s grant cycle represents only the third time the Green Development Grants have been offered to local governments.  Communities selected during the 2013 grant cycle will join the cities of Athens, Chattanooga, Lakeland, Memphis, Knoxville and Nashville, which have received funding since the grant’s inception in 2008 for various projects ranging from pervious concrete parking or walking paths to green infrastructure improvements to community recreational areas. 

“This is a great opportunity for Tennessee Stormwater Association members to implement innovative stormwater management techniques that are designed around green technology and that benefit the local communities,” said TNSA President Chris Granju.

“Protecting Tennessee’s watersheds is a shared responsibility,” said Brenda Brickhouse, TVA Vice President of Environmental Permits and Compliance. “Controlling and filtering stormwater prior to it entering Tennessee’s waterways is a key component to safeguarding our waterways, while ensuring our communities can rely on good, clean water.” 

Applications for the 2013 Green Development Grants are due by Aug. 15, and grant awards will be announced by Sept. 30. Grant applications will be reviewed and ranked by a team comprised of representatives from each of the partner agencies.  The next offering for Green Development Grants will be available in May 2014. 

Online application materials and additional information about the Green Development Grants are available on TDEC’s website at www.tn.gov/environment/greendev/ or through the Tennessee Stormwater Association at www.tnstormwater.org/.

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