Up to $9.5 million available from EPA for 2013 Great Lakes restoration projects

CHICAGO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a Request for Applications soliciting proposals from states, municipalities, tribes, universities and nonprofit organizations for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants to fund new projects to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Up to $9.5 million will be available during the current funding cycle. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects in the Great Lakes basin. Applications are due August 14, 2013.

"This round of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding will be used for projects that reduce exposure to toxic substances from fish consumption, control invasive species, and improve water quality in the Great Lakes," said EPA Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman. "The work funded by these grants will help to restore and protect waters that are essential to the health and jobs of millions of Americans."

A webinar explaining the grant application process will be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, July 30. The Request for Applications and information about applying for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants is available at www.epa.gov/grtlakes/fund/2013rfa01.

More information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, including an interactive project map, is available at www.glri.us.