For Release: Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Great Lakes Protection Grant Applications Being Accepted

Up to $500,000 Available from State Great Lakes Protection Fund

Projects that will help protect, restore and improve the health of New York's Great Lakes Basin could be eligible for up to $500,000 in grants being made available by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The funding is being made available from the New York State Great Lakes Protection Fund.

"The Great Lakes are an important part of New York State's economic and environmental health," Commissioner Grannis said. "The work funded by this most recent round of grants will improve our knowledge of the Great Lakes, inform our citizens and enhance our efforts to protect these critical natural resources."

The New York State Great Lakes Protection Fund was created in 1990 through legislation that allows New York State to use a portion of the interest from a $97 million endowment created by seven of the eight Great Lakes states. The fund provides a perpetual source of capital to support research, information collection and outreach projects from diverse disciplines. The fund is administered by DEC with input from the New York State Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council. Comprised of representatives from various public interests, the Council works with DEC to ensure ecological health, economic growth, and recreational enjoyment of New York's Great Lakes resources now and in the future.

Projects eligible for funding include research and other efforts to improve the application or exchange of knowledge about restoring, sustaining and enhancing the health of New York's Great Lakes Basin. Projects that address toxic-discharge control, invasive species impacts, and climate change will also be considered. Eligible applicants include New York State academic research institutions, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Cooperative efforts with other funding programs are encouraged, but matching funds are not required. Applicants can apply for up to $100,000 and projects should last no more that two years.

Project proposals will be rated on technical merit, cost effectiveness and the degree to which they support the Great Lakes Protection Fund's mission, based on an evaluation by a technical review committee and by the New York State Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council. The Council recommends to DEC's Commissioner the projects that should receive funding.

The deadline for applications is April 21, 2008. The application package with proposal instructions will be posted at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/25582.html , or can be obtained by contacting Don Zelazny, Great Lakes Programs Coordinator, at (716) 851-7220.