Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Barbara Skoglund, 651-296-5965 Technical contact: Mary James Baker, 651-215-0194 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Saint Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking preliminary applications for grants to be used in the development of environmentally sustainable practices that prevent pollution and conserve resources. Both public and private organizations and partnerships are eligible. Preliminary applications are due Nov. 27, 2006. Approximately $500,000 is available. Applications must fall under one of the following four focus areas:
- Increasing renewable energy generation, energy efficiency gains and greenhouse gas reductions.
- Best uses of solid waste.
- Stormwater pollution prevention and assistance.
- Increasing environmentally sustainable actions (geographically-focused toward communities in the two-thirds of the state that is part of the greater Lake Pepin watershed, including the Minnesota River Valley).
"Minnesotans recognize the value of a healthy economy, environment and community," says Kim Austrian, who supervises the grants program. "But looking toward the 21st century, it's critical that we can meet today's needs while preserving resources and leaving a clean and healthy environment for future generations." To facilitate these efforts and to help organizations move toward more sustainable practices, the MPCA Environmental Assistance Grant Program offers grants on a yearly basis. Since 1985, more than $11 million in grants have been awarded to organizations across Minnesota. The complete request for proposal, instructions and forms are available on the MPCA Web site at hhref="/grants/eagrants.html. Preliminary applications must be submitted electronically by 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2006. Interested applicants can contact Mary James Baker at 651-215-0194, 1-800-657-3864 or mary.james@state.mn.us for more information.