Ohio EPA Awards $49,900 Environmental Education Grant to Auglaize and Mercer Counties
Ohio EPA has awarded a $49,900 environmental education grant to the Grand Lake St. Marys Community Improvement Corporation for a public awareness campaign to increase public efforts to make Grand Lake grand again. It was one of 10 grants awarded statewide for almost $340,000.
The program is phase one of the “Grand Again Watershed Campaign” and targets more than 12,000 watershed residents (approximately 4,880 households).
The campaign will promote five categories of watershed protection: green lawn and garden care; storm water management; maintenance of septic systems, sump pumps and water softeners; safe disposal of pet waste; and safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and hazardous waste. Each topic will include a targeted mailing to all watershed households, newspaper and billboard ads, signs and online resources. Community outreach meetings will be conducted with the Grand Again Campaign Team in Grand Lake St. Marys’ seven sub-watersheds.
The Ohio Environmental Education Fund is administered by Ohio EPA. Grants up to $50,000 are funded from one-half of the civil penalties collected by the Agency for air and water pollution control violations. Eligible grant recipients include environmental groups, public and private schools, colleges and universities, trade or professional organizations, businesses and state and local governments. Approximately $1 million is given each year.
The next OEEF application deadline is on Jan. 17, 2012. An electronic letter of intent to apply is due on Jan. 10. For additional information, contact the Ohio Environmental Education Fund at (614) 644-2873 or visit www.epa.ohio.gov/oee/.