EGLE seeks grant applications related to water conservation best practices
Project will focus on identifying innovations and tech advancements to support sustainability
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is announcing a request for proposals (RFP) for a project to identify innovations and technological advancements in water conservation best practices that can benefit Michigan’s water sectors and support long-term sustainability of Michigan’s water resources. The project also will advance Michigan’s goals under the MI Healthy Climate Plan to protect public health and the environment and develop new clean energy jobs by making Michigan’s economy 100% carbon-neutral by 2050.
The project will inform Michigan’s Water Use and Water Conservation and Efficiency programs and further the state’s water conservation and efficiency goals and objectives established under the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers’ Great Lakes Agreement and Compact.
Eligible to apply are for-profit and nonprofit entities; educational institutions; and federal, state, tribal, and local units of government. Individuals are not eligible. One chosen applicant will receive a maximum of $100,000. The grant is co-funded by the Michigan Great Lakes Protection Fund (MGLPF) and funding appropriated by the Michigan Legislature to the Michigan Water Use Advisory Council (WUAC) through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. It will be administered by EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes (OGL).
The anticipated project award period is December 2023 to November 2024. Applications will be evaluated on project readiness and feasibility for completion within the 12-month time frame. Project tasks include:
Develop and implement an engagement and dissemination strategy to involve Michigan water sectors in the project to maximize the benefits of the project results and findings.
Summarize existing Michigan water sectors’ processes to review and/or change water conservation best management practices (BMP).
Research innovation and technological advancements in water sector water conservation BMPs and their impacts within the business and industry sectors in other Great Lakes states and provinces and other innovative jurisdictions.
Summarize findings that will advance Michigan water sectors’ water conservation BMPs within the business and industry sectors to help contribute to Michigan’s water conservation and efficiency program goals as well as practices that may also contribute toward achieving Michigan’s climate and carbon neutrality goals.
Present project results and findings to the Water Use Advisory Council (WUAC), the council’s Water Conservation and Efficiency Committee, and business and industry sectors to inform and advance innovation in their sectors’ water conservation and efficiency practices and contribute toward achieving Michigan’s climate and carbon neutrality goals.
A webinar will be held Tuesday, July 25, at 2:00 pm to explain this funding opportunity. EGLE staff will present details of the RFP, the application process, and answer questions from the audience. The webinar is free, but registration is required.
Complete applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm, Monday, August 28, 2023. Email Kimber Frantz, FrantzK@Michigan.gov, with the subject line “Water Conservation BMP Application” and the application attached as a PDF file. Maximum attachment size is 10 megabytes. Applicants unable to submit by email should contact Kimber Frantz by email or phone, 517-275-0829.
Questions or comments regarding the program or application process may be directed to OGL’s Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist Emily Finnell, FinnellE@Michigan.gov or 517-599-1330; or Great Lakes Policy Specialist Simon Bélisle, BelisleS@Michigan.gov or 517-331-6390.