Improve Your Neighborhood Waterway with an Aquatic Habitat Matching Grant
Seattle Public Utilities Is Now Accepting Applications for Grants that Improve the Health of City Waterways

For immediate release: 7/25/08
For more information, Contact: Kathy Minsch, (206) 615-1441

SEATTLE — Have you thought about ways to improve your local creek, lake or stretch of Puget Sound? In addition to providing a respite from the buzz of the city, these waters provide vital habitat for fish and wildlife. Here is a chance to put your ideas and energy into action by applying for an Aquatic Habitat Matching Grant from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

In its fourth year, the grant program — part of Mayor Greg Nickels’ Restore Our Waters initiative — is designed to provide incentives for citizens to partner with the city in restoring aquatic habitat. The program awards grants for eligible restoration projects along or in creeks, or along marine and lake shorelines near stormwater outfalls.

Residents, non-profit organizations, community groups and businesses may apply. Projects may be located on either private or public property; but if the project takes place on private property, a direct public benefit must be shown. Projects must be located within the City of Seattle.

Up to $300,000 is available. Grants begin at a minimum of $2,000 up to $75,000. Recipients match the city’s investment by at least 100% with a mix of donated time, materials, professional services, cash, other non-city grants, and in some cases conservation easements.

“I am excited about the results from the twelve restoration projects so far, in seven parks and natural areas and on private properties. Three of the creek restoration projects on private property, where the project widened the creek and planted natives on banks, there was an additional flood-prevention benefit during last year’s big storms,” said Kathy Minsch, Aquatic Habitat Grant Program manager at SPU.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for the city to partner with its citizens, and to provide a meaningful incentive to restore aquatic habitat in an urban environment where stormwater has such an impact.”

All projects involve replacing invasive plant species with native plants. Native plants act as natural filters for the creek and help reduce erosion. The city has awarded a total of $752,000 over the past three years of this program.

The deadline to submit a proposal is September 8, 2008. Visit the Aquatic Habitat Matching Grant website for more details. You can also contact Brian Ferrasci O’Malley, bferrasci-omalley@evergreenfc.com, or (206) 691-0700. For program questions, contact Kathy Minsch at kathy.minsch@seattle.gov or (206) 615-1441.

In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the city’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.

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Seattle Public Utilities