DuPage County offering water quality grants

DuPage County's stormwater management department is accepting grant applications for projects aimed at improving the quality of regional waterways.

Grants will reimburse organizations and individuals for up to 25% of project costs. Over the last two decades, the county grant program has provided approximately $6 million for nearly 100 projects, funding permeable paver parking lots, green roofs and native vegetation, with $300,000 awarded annually.

"In recent years, projects that improve water quality have become as commonplace as projects that reduce flooding; oftentimes, they go hand in hand," Stormwater Management Committee Chairman Jim Zay said in a statement. "Nonetheless, funding remains a hurdle in getting these projects off the ground, and I'm so pleased that we can use this grant to offset some of those costs."

New this year, applicants may apply virtually through a grant application portal. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 6. For details or an application, visit dupageco.org/WQIPgrant.