The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is accepting applications for two grant and loan programs that promote the conservation, development or reclamation of natural resources across the state.
The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan (RRGL) program offers grants of up to $100,000 and low-interest loans up to the amount a community has the ability to repay. Approximately $6 million is available biannually for the program.
Projects funded through RRGL can conserve, manage, develop or protect a renewable resource, a press release said. Past projects include irrigation efficiency improvements, watershed planning and restoration, rangeland or timber management, renewable energy and projects designed to reduce the use of agricultural chemicals.
Community infrastructure projects such as water or wastewater treatment and solid waste are also eligible.
The Reclamation and Development Grants (RDG) program offers grants of up to $300,000 for projects that repair, reclaim or mitigate the effects of past mineral development in Montana, and for projects that protect the state’s environment and benefit its citizens. Past RDG projects funded include mine reclamation, stream restoration, oil and gas reclamation, hazardous waste cleanup, and reclamation research. An estimated $5 million is available biannually for this program.
Any division of state, county, city or tribal government is eligible to apply, along with any local political subdivision. The application deadline is May 15, 2012. All grant and loan requests must be authorized by the 2013 Montana Legislature.
Applications are available by writing to the Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation, Resource Development Bureau, PO Box 201601, Helena, MT 59620-1601, or by calling 406-444-6668.