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There are numerous options available to communities in Dane County for the financing of
a flood mitigation program. The identification of potential funding sources, including
sources other than those at the local level is an integral part of the implementation of
a successful mitigation plan. However, funding programs and opportunities are constantly
changing. The following list of existing programs and funding sources includes those that
appear to be potentially applicable to municipalities within Dane County. In many cases,
the listed programs and initiatives are not directly intended as flood mitigation
programs. These programs do, however, have goals and objectives that are compatible with
general flood mitigation goals and principles and could be applied to serve the purposes
of both programs. Also, some of the programs may not be available to the county for a
variety of reasons, including eligibility requirements or lack of funds in the state or
federal budgets. Finally, while this listing is long, it is by no means inclusive. It is
intended to provide a starting point for identifying possible funding sources.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
Managing Agency:
FEMA grant program administered by Wisconsin
Emergency Management
Cost share:
75% federal, 12.5% state, 12.5% local (local cost share can be in the form of in-kind services
as well as dollars; communities can also use money acquired through the Wisconsin Municipal
Flood Control Grant program for their local share)
General Description:
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is authorized by section 404 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. HMGP funds may be used to fund projects
that will reduce or eliminate the losses from future disasters (including, but not limited
to, floods). Projects must provide a long-term solution to a problem, for example, elevation
of a home to reduce the risk of flood damages as opposed to buying sandbags and pumps to
fight the flood. In addition, a project's potential savings must be more than the cost of
implementing the project. Funds may be used to protect either public or private property
or to purchase property that has been subjected to, or is in danger of, repetitive damage.
Availability:
Available to the state and, through Wisconsin
Emergency Management, local governments following Presidential declaration of disaster
anywhere in Wisconsin. The amount of federal funding for the HMGP is based on 7.5% of total
Stafford Act funds spent on Public and Individual Assistance Programs for the declared
disaster. The applicant does not have to be in the area affected by the disaster to be
eligible for this grant program.
All applicants must be participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if
they have been identified through the NFIP as having a Special Flood Hazard Area (a Flood
Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) has been issued). In addition,
the community must not be suspended or on probation from the NFIP. Local governments applying
for PDM funds must have a FEMA-approved local All Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Eligible Activities:
Funding is available for hazard mitigation
projects. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, acquisition of real property
from willing sellers and demolition or relocation of buildings to convert the property to
publicly-owned open space use; retrofitting structures and facilities to minimize damages
from natural hazards; elevation of flood prone structures; development and initial
implementation of vegetative management programs; minor flood control projects that do not
duplicate the flood prevention activities of other federal agencies; localized flood control
projects, such as certain ring levees and floodwall systems, that are designed specifically
to protect critical facilities; and post-disaster activities that support building code
officials during the reconstruction process. The HMGP gives priority to FEMA identified
repetitive loss properties.
Additional Sources of Information
Wisconsin Emergency Management
FEMA
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program
Managing Agency:
FEMA grant program administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management
Cost share:
75% federal, 25% local (local cost share can be in the form of in-kind services as well as
dollars; communities can also use money acquired through the Wisconsin Municipal Flood Control
Grant program for their local share)
General Description:
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program provides funding to assist local governments, state governments,
and Indian Tribal governments in implementing cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that
complement a comprehensive all hazards mitigation program. Funding is available for planning and
for hazard mitigation projects. The Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program was authorized by §203
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act (Stafford Act), 42 USC,
as amended by §102 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
Availability:
Available annually depending on federal funding allocations. All applicants must be participating
in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if they have been identified through the NFIP as
having a Special Flood Hazard Area (a Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) has been issued). In addition, the community must not be suspended or on probation from the
NFIP. Local governments applying for PDM funds must have a FEMA-approved local All Hazards Mitigation
Plan.
Eligible Activities:
Funding is available for hazard mitigation projects and planning. Funding may be awarded for
development of an All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Communities with a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation
Plan are eligible for grants for projects including minor and localized flood control projects to
protect critical facilities; acquisition of real property from willing sellers and demolition or
relocation of buildings to convert the property to publicly-owned open space use; structural and
nonstructural retrofitting; and purchasing generators for critical facilities.
Additional Sources of Information:
Wisconsin Emergency Management
FEMA
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program
Managing Agency:
FEMA grant program administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management
Cost share:
75% federal; 25% local
General Description:
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) provides pre-disaster financial assistance to states and local
communities for flood mitigation and planning activities. There are two types of FMA grants
available: Planning Grants and Project Grants. Planning Grants are available to states and
communities to assess flood risk and identify actions to reduce that risk. Project Grants are
awarded to states and communities to execute measures to reduce flood losses to properties
currently insured under the NFIP.
Availability:
Available to states and, through Wisconsin Emergency Management, local communities annually
depending on federal funding allocations. Applicants must be participating in the NFIP and cannot
be on NFIP probation or suspension. Applicants for FMA project grants must have a FEMA-approved
local All Hazards Mitigation or Flood Mitigation Plan. Projects must be an eligible type of
activity that reduces the risk of flood damage to structures insurable under the NFIP. Structures
to be acquired, floodproofed, or otherwise mitigated must have NFIP flood insurance; however, they
do not have to be located inside the 100-year floodplain.
Eligible Activities:
Planning Grants can be used to prepare a local Flood Mitigation Plan or to prepare the flood
mitigation section of an All Hazards Mitigation Plan. FMA Planning Grant funds cannot be used to
prepare sections of an All Hazards Mitigation Plan that address hazards other than flooding.
Project Grants can be used to implement projects that are cost effective, technically feasible,
and conform to the approved Flood Mitigation Plan. Typically, funded FMA projects are for the
acquisition and demolition of repetitively flooded structures insured by the NFIP. Other types of
projects that may be eligible for FMA funding include relocation of structures, elevation of
structures, dry floodproofing of non-residential structures, minor physical flood reduction
projects, and other activities that bring structures into compliance with NFIP floodplain building
requirements.
Additional Sources of Information:
Wisconsin Emergency Management
FEMA
Municipal Flood Control Grant Program
Managing Agency:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Cost share:
70% state; 30% local
Availability:
Grant program is for two years with 1 year possible extension. Eligible applicants include cities,
towns, villages, Indian Tribes, or metropolitan sewerage districts in Wisconsin. Application
deadline is April 15, odd years.
General Description:
This program provides grants to cities, villages, towns and metropolitan sewerage districts to
acquire or floodproof structures, purchase easements, restore riparian areas, or construct flood
control structures.
Eligible Activities:
Applications for Acquisition and Development Grants would be ranked based on avoided flood damages,
restoration or protection of natural and beneficial functions of water bodies, use of natural flood
storage techniques or environmentally sensitive detention ponds and enhanced recreational
opportunities. Eligible activities, in priority order include:
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Acquisition and removal of structures that, due to zoning restrictions, can not be rebuilt or
repaired
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Acquisition and removal of structures in the 100 year floodplain
-
Acquisition and removal of repetitive loss or substantially damaged structures
-
Acquisition and removal of other flood damaged structures
-
Floodproofing and elevation of structures
-
Riparian restoration projects, including removal of dams and other artificial obstructions,
restoration of fish and native plant habitat, erosion control and streambank restoration projects
-
Acquisition of vacant land, or perpetual conservation or flowage easements to provide additional
flood storage or to facilitate natural or more efficient flood flows
-
Construction of structures for the collection, detention, retention, storage, and transmission
of stormwater and groundwater for flood control and riparian restoration projects
-
Preparation of flood insurance studies and other flood mapping projects. Can be used to provide
local cost share for FEMA grants
Additional Sources of Information:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
FEMA – Public Assistance Program:
The Public Assistance Program can provide limited assistance for flood mitigation projects. Funding
under this program is provided for repair of public infrastructure damaged during a flood that results
in a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The Public Assistance Program is authorized under the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The Public Assistance Program will
provide up to 75 percent of the project costs, with the balance of the costs shared by the State of
Wisconsin (12.5 percent) and the local project grantee (12.5 percent).
Eligible categories for public assistance include costs incurred for emergency work such as debris
removal and emergency protective measures or permanent work of a restorative nature such as
repairing damage to roads and bridges, water treatment and control systems, or publicly owned
buildings or utilities. Mitigation measures are eligible if the work to restore public infrastructure
is done in such a way as to improve the facility in order to prevent or minimize future damages.
Additional Information:
FEMA
FEMA - National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):
The NFIP is a voluntary Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to
purchase insurance as a protection against flood losses with the stipulation that the state and
local community have in place floodplain management regulations that reduce future flood damages.
Participation in the NFIP is based on an agreement between communities and the Federal Government.
If a community adopts and enforces a floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood risk to
new construction in floodplains, the Federal Government will make flood insurance available to
renters, homeowners, and businesses within the community as a financial protection against flood
losses. This insurance is designed to provide an insurance alternative to escalating federal disaster
assistance costs.
Flood insurance is generally available for all structures located anywhere in communities that
participate in the NFIP, regardless of whether the structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area
(i.e., 100-year floodplain). Owners of homes in the Special Flood Hazard Area who acquire a mortgage
from a federally regulated lender, or who use federal programs such as the Veterans Administration
to secure or guarantee a home loan, are required to purchase flood insurance for the duration of
their loan. Funding to reduce flood damage in structures or to purchase floodprone structures is
often available only for structures whose owners carry flood insurance.
Additional Information:
floodsmart
FEMA – National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage:
Property owners in the Special Flood Hazard Area (i.e., 100-year floodplain) with NFIP flood
insurance may be eligible to claim up to $30,000 to bring their structure into compliance with
the floodplain building regulations written into their community’s ordinance. Individuals with
flood insurance may make an ICC claim only after the community declares that their property
suffered “substantial damage” from flooding (i.e., damage to the point that repairs would cost
50% or more of the structure’s pre-damage equalized assessed value). In communities that have
adopted a repetitive loss provision in their local ordinance, property owners with flood insurance
are also eligible to make an ICC claim if their community declares that their home or business
suffered repetitive damage (i.e., damage by flooding twice in the past 10 years, where the cost
of repairing the flood damage, on average, equaled or exceeded 25% of the property market value
at the time of each flood) if there were flood insurance claim payments for each of the two losses.
ICC coverage applies to most Standard Flood Insurance Policies issued or renewed after June 1, 1997.
Additional Information:
Increased cost of compliance
Increased cost of compliance coverage
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) and Severe Repetitive
Loss (SRL) Programs:
These programs provide funding to states and communities that cannot meet the requirements of the
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program for either cost share or capacity to manage the activities.
The programs provide up to 100% federal funding to acquire and either demolish or relocate outside
of the floodplain repetitively-flooded properties. Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) properties are those
that have at least one paid flood insurance claim under the NFIP. Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL)
properties are residential properties for which four or more claims have been paid for more than
$5,000 each and $20,000 cumulatively within any rolling 10-year period since January 1, 1978, and/or
two or more claims within any rolling 10-year period since January 1, 1978 that appear to equal or
exceed the reported property value of the home.
Additional Information:
RFC & SRL Programs
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Additional Information:
Army Corps of Engineers Services to the Public
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Floodplain Management Services Program (FPMS):
The Corps of Engineers Floodplain Management Services Program (FPMS) is authorized under Section 206
of the Flood Control Act of 1960, as amended. Under this program, the Corps is authorized to provide,
upon request from local authorities, a range of technical services and planning guidance on floods and
floodplain issues. Available services include the following:
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Provide flood hazard evaluations
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Interpret existing flood data, primarily hydraulic and hydrologic information
-
Develop data on the extent, depth, and frequency of flooding
-
Develop and disseminate information on non-structural options such as flood proofing and relocation
of structures in the floodplain
-
Develop comprehensive flood warning systems
-
Develop emergency evacuation plans
-
Determine flood susceptibility of structures for Flood Insurance purposes
A Flood Management Services study may be initiated directly by a local unit of government by a formal
written request to the St Paul District of the Corps of Engineers.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Emergency Bank Protection:
Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act, as amended permits the Corps to perform streambank protection
projects to protect endangered highways, bridges, public works facilities, and cultural sites that are
endangered by flood-caused bank or shoreline erosion. Repair, restoration, and modification of the
eroding streambank are authorized. Section 14 covers only protection of important and essential
facilities that serve the general public. This includes major highways, but also other routes that are
of special or significant importance to the local community. Privately owned facilities and riverfront
are not eligible for protection under Section 14.
A bank protection project must be cost effective and of a sound design. The maximum federal expenditure
per project is $500,000, with a local share of at least 25 percent. Other local responsibilities include
providing rights-of-way and easements, relocating utilities if necessary, and maintaining the project
after completion. An investigation under Section 14 may be initiated directly by a local unit of
government by a formal written request to the St Paul District of the Corps of Engineers.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Snagging and Clearing:
Section 208 of the 1954 Flood Control Act, as amended by the 1974 Water resources Development Act,
provides authority to the Corps of Engineers to remove accumulated snags and other debris and to clean
and straighten stream channels as a flood control measure. In order to be eligible for assistance, a
project must be cost effective, environmentally acceptable, and technically feasible. The maximum
federal expenditure is $500,000 per project. Feasibility studies will be performed at full federal
expense.
Once a project is approved and funded, the local sponsor is required to contribute a 25 percent match,
up-front before the project begins. Other local responsibilities include providing rights-of-way and
easements, relocating utilities if necessary, and maintaining the project after completion. An
investigation under Section 208 may be initiated directly by a local unit of government by a formal
written request to the St Paul District of the Corps of Engineers.
Dane County Planning and Development Department – Community Development Block Grant Program:
The CDBG program can provide funding for a variety of flood mitigation activities, including disaster
relief and acquisition and relocation of structures. In 1998 Dane County was designated an “Urban
County” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This designation allowed Dane
County to become eligible to receive annual CDBG allocations. The Urban County in Dane County
consists of 48 municipalities outside the City of Madison including five cities, eleven villages, and
thirty-two towns. The County developed a Five Year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community
Development, which was approved by HUD in August 1999. This allowed the County to access approximately
$1,200,000 annually for housing and community development activities that primarily benefit persons
with low and moderate incomes.
Additional Information:
Community Development Block
Grant Program
USDA Farm Service Agency – Emergency Conservation Program (ECP):
This is a post-disaster program available directly to agricultural producers who have sustained
significant damages resulting from a natural disaster. The program is designed to enable farmers to
perform emergency conservation measures to control wind erosion on farmlands, to rehabilitate
farmlands damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters and to carry out
emergency water conservation or water enhancing measures during periods of severe drought.
Additional Information:
Emergency Conservation Program
USDA Farm Service Agency - Conservation Reserve Program (CRP):
The CRP is not designed as a flood mitigation funding program, however, some of the objectives of
the program, to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality, and create better
habitat for wildlife, are compatible with flood reduction goals.
The CRP is open to individuals, associations, or local units of government. Eligible owners or
operators may place highly erodible or other environmentally sensitive land into a 10-15 year
contract. The participant, in return for annual payments, agrees to implement a conservation plan
approved by the local conservation district for converting highly erodible cropland or other
environmentally sensitive land to a long-term resource conserving cover i.e., eligible land must
be planted with a vegetative cover, such as, perennial grasses, legumes, fobs, shrubs, or trees.
The participant agrees to reduce the aggregate total of allotments and quotas by an amount based
on the ratio of the total cropland acreage on each farm, to the total acreage on each farm subject
to the CRP contract. Financial and technical assistance are available to participants to assist
in the establishment of a long- term resource conserving cover.
Additional Information:
Conservation Reserve Program
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP):
The WRP is designed to assist landowners to restore and protect farmed wetlands, prior converted
wetlands, wetlands farmed under natural condition, certain riparian areas, and eligible buffer areas
for landowners who have eligible land on which they agree to enter into a permanent or long-term
easement or restoration agreement contract. The goal of WRP to maximize wetland functions and
values and wildlife habitat.
Additional Information:
Wetlands Reserve Program
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention
(Small Watershed Program):
Under the small watershed program, the NRCS can provide technical and financial assistance to
local associations or units of government in carrying out works of improvement to protect, develop,
and utilize the land and water resources in small watersheds. Technical assistance is provided in
designing, and installing watershed improvement projects. Financial assistance is provided for
sharing costs of measures for watershed protection, flood prevention, agricultural water management,
sedimentation control, public water based fish, wildlife, recreation, and extending long term credit
to help local interests with their share of the costs. The watershed area must not exceed 250,000
acres. Capacity of a single structure is limited to 25,000 acre-feet of total capacity and 12,500
acre-feet of floodwater detention capacity.
Additional Information:
Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – Watershed Surveys and Planning (Small
Watershed Program):
The Watershed surveys and Planning Program will provide planning assistance to local agencies for
the development of coordinated water and related land resources programs in watersheds and river
basins. Priority is given to studies which: (1) contribute to achieving the National Conservation
Program high priority objectives; (2) have a high likelihood of being implemented; (3) will be
implemented with no or relatively little Federal assistance; (4) have State and local assistance
in the study; and (5) are of short duration (2 to 4 years) and (6) low cost. Special priority is
given to the objective of setting priorities in helping to solve problems of upstream rural
community flooding, water quality improvement coming from agricultural non-point sources, wetland
preservation and drought management for agriculture and rural communities. Special emphasis is
given to assisting communities that desire to adopt floodplain management regulations to meet the
requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and State agencies in developing a strategic
water resource plan.
Additional Information:
Watershed
Surveys and Planning
NRCS - Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):
The purpose of EQIP is to provide technical and financial help to landowners for conservation
practices that protect soil and water quality. Landowners enter into 5 to 10 year contracts to
install conservation practices on their property. These contracts include conservation practices
such as grassed waterways, diversions, terraces, barnyard runoff control, and nutrient management.
Additional Information:
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP):
The EWP was established to respond to emergencies created by natural disaster. It is designed to
relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods and other natural occurrences. It is
not necessary for a natural emergency to be declared for an area to be eligible for assistance. EWP
work can include removing debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges; reshaping and
protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged drainage facilities; repairing levees and structures;
reseeding damaged areas; and purchasing floodplain easements. EWP funds cannot be used to solve
problems that existed before the disaster or to improve the level of protection above that which
existed prior to the disaster. All projects undertaken must be sponsored by a political subdivision
of the state, such as a city, county, general improvement district, or conservation district. NRCS
may bear up to 75% of the construction costs of the emergency measures (up to 90% in limited resource
areas); the remaining cost-share must come from local sources and can be in the form of in-kind
services.
Additional Information:
Emergency Watershed
Protection
U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service – Wetlands Conservation Fund:
Funds are available to public and private organizations that have developed partnerships to carry
out wetlands conservation projects. Funds can be used to acquire real property interest in lands or
waters, including water rights, or restore, manage, or enhance wetland ecosystems and other habitat
for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife species. All funds must be administered for the
long-term conservation of such lands and waters.
Additional Information:
Wetlands Conservation Fund
U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance:
Funds are available to community groups and local governments to develop new trails and greenways;
protect and restore river resources, access and views; convert abandoned railways to multi-purpose
trails; promote and develop systems of trails and greenways; conserve open space; and establish new
conservation organizations and alliances.
Additional Information:
Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance
WDNR - County Conservation Aids:
Funds are available to carry out program of fish or wildlife management projects as per s.23.09 (12),
Wis. Stats. and NR 50, Wis. Adm. Code. Counties and recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply on
forms provided by the Department. There is a 50% local match. Projects related to providing improved
fish or wildlife habitat or projects related to hunter/angler facilities are eligible. Projects that
enhance fish and wildlife habitat or fishing and hunting facilities have priority.
Additional Information:
County Conservation Aids
WDNR - Dam Maintenance, Repair, Modification, Abandonment, and Removal:
Funds are available to municipalities and public inland lake districts to conduct dam maintenance,
repair, modification, abandonment and removal as per s. 31.385, Wis. Stats. Counties, towns, cities,
villages and public inland lake protection districts that have received an order under s. 31.19(5),
Wis. Stats., to repair or abandon a dam are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department.
Dam repair, reconstruction, modification or abandonment and removal are eligible projects. Funding
priority is determined by the dam's size, hazard rating, downstream zoning, repair costs and the
municipality's financial need. A local match of 50% is required, with a maximum grant award of
$200,000 per project.
Additional Information:
Dam Maintenance, Repair,
Modification, Abandonment, and Removal
WDNR - Lake Planning Grant:
Funds are available to collect and analyze information needed to protect and restore lakes and their
watersheds as per s. 281.68, Wis. Stats. Counties, towns, cities, villages, non-profit groups and
qualified lake associations, as defined in s.30.92(1)(br) and public inland lake protection and
rehabilitation districts are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department. The state cost
shares up to 75% up to a maximum of $10,000 per grant. Applications due in region offices by February
1 and August 1 of each year. Types of projects include physical, chemical, biological, and
sociological data collection, water quality assessment, and watershed evaluation including County-wide
or regional initiatives.
Additional Information:
Large-Scale Lakes
Small-Scale Lakes
WDNR - Lake Protection Grant:
Funds are available to protect and improve the water quality of lakes and their ecosystems as per s.
281.69, Wis. Stats. Grants are available for purchasing land or easements, restoration of wetlands,
development of local regulations to protect water quality, lake improvement activities called for in
a Department approved plan, and Countywide lake classification. Counties, towns, cities, villages,
public authorities and qualified lake associations as defined in s. 30.92(1)(br), Wis. Stats., public
inland lake districts, non-profit groups, and other local governmental units established for lake
management are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department. The state cost shares up to 75%
of project costs not to exceed $200,000. Applications are due in the Regional offices by May 1 of
each year.
Priorities are set on a statewide basis (see ch. NR 191.08, Wis. Adm. Code) and consider the following
factors:
-
Lakes which have not previously received a lake protection grant
-
The degree to which the project provides for the protection or improvement of water quality
-
The degree to which the project provides for protection or improvement of other aspects of the
natural ecosystem such as fish, wildlife or natural beauty
-
The availability of public access to, and public use of the lakes
-
The degree to which the proposed project complements other lake and watershed management efforts
-
The level of support for the project from other affected management units
-
The level of financial support provided by the sponsor
Additional Information:
Lake Protection Grant
WDNR - Local Water Quality Management Planning Aids:
Funds are available to assist in the development and implementation of area wide water quality
management planning activities as per s. 604(b), Federal Clean Water Act, s. 281.51, Wis. Stats.,
and ch. NR 121, Wis. Adm. Code. Local, County, and regional planning agencies, commissions, and
departments and other local government units with water quality management planning responsibilities
are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Bureau of Watershed Management. Matching local funds
may be required depending upon proposed water quality priorities, work plans, cost estimates, and
fund source. Proposals must be received by October 31 to be considered for funding in the next
calendar year. Eligible projects include local and regional water resource management and watershed
planning activities; sewer service area plans and amendments; regional wastewater facility planning
initiatives; and, identification and protection of water quality sensitive areas known as
environmental corridors. The Department negotiates annual contracts with planning agencies and
commissions. Project proposals may be submitted through regional DNR watershed management planning
staff on a continuous basis. The Department, in cooperation with regional planning agencies, sets
annual priorities to assist with areawide water quality management planning activities.
Additional Information:
Local Water Quality Management
Planning Aids
WDNR - Nonpoint Pollution Abatement Program (A.K.A., Runoff Pollution):
Funds are available to improve water quality by limiting or ending sources of nonpoint source
(run-off) water pollution by providing financial and technical assistance to landowners, land
operators, municipalities, and other governmental units as per s. 281.65, Wis. Stats. and NR 120, Wis.
Adm. Code. Governmental units within designated priority watersheds and priority lakes are eligible to
apply on forms provided by the Department. Cost sharing is provided of up to 70-100% for local
administration and 50-70% for installing best management practices to reduce water pollution.
Eligible projects are watersheds and lakes where:
-
The water quality improvement or protection will be great in relation to funds expended
-
The installation of best management practices is feasible to abate water pollution caused by
nonpoint source pollution
-
The local governmental units and agencies involved are willing to carry out program
responsibilities
Efforts are focused statewide in critical watersheds and lakes where nonpoint source related water
quality problems are most severe and control is most feasible. Rural landowners and land operators
located in selected priority watersheds and priority lakes can contact their County land conservation
departments to explain the program and have the landowner/land operator sign for cost sharing best
management practices. Non-rural landowners and land operators can contact their municipal government
offices. A watershed or lake project normally has a 10-12 year time frame: two years for planning
and eight to ten years to implement best management practices.
Additional Information:
Nonpoint Polution Abatement Program
WDNR - River Management Grants:
River Protection Management grants provide state cost sharing assistance to eligible sponsors for
implementing a specific activity or set of activities, other than planning activities, to protect
or improve a river ecosystem as per s. 181.70 Wis. Stats. Counties, towns, cities, villages,
non-profit groups and qualified river management organizations, and other local governmental units
as defined in s. 66.0131, Wis. Stats., are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department.
The state cost shares up to 75% of project costs not to exceed $50,000. Activities eligible for
funding include:
-
River organization development
-
Information and education
-
Assessments of water quality, fish, and aquatic life
-
Nonpoint source evaluations
Applications are due in region offices by May 1 of each year.
Additional Information:
River Management Grants
WDNR - Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (Stewardship Grant):
Funds are available to assist local communities acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation
areas as per s. 23.09 (20), Wis. Stats. Counties, towns, cities, villages and Indian Tribes with an
approved Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan are eligible to apply by May 1 of each year on forms
provided by the Department. There is a 50% local match required. Awards are granted on a competitive
basis. Acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas are eligible projects.
Priority is given to the acquisition of land where a scarcity of outdoor recreation land exists.
Additional Information:
Aids for the Acquisition
and Development of Local Parks
WDNR - Urban Green Space (Stewardship Grant):
Funds are available to provide open natural space in proximity to urban development, to protect
from development land with scenic, ecological or natural values in urban areas, and to provide
land for noncommercial gardening in urban areas as per s. 23.09(19) Wis. Stats. Counties, Towns,
Cities, Villages, lake districts, Indian tribes and nonprofit conservation organizations under s.
23.096 Wis. Stats. are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department. There is a 50%
local match required. Applications are due in the appropriate region office by May 1.
Additional Information:
Urban Green Space
WDNR - Urban Rivers Grant (Stewardship Grant):
Funds are available to improve outdoor recreation opportunities by increasing access to urban rivers
for a variety of public uses, economic revitalization through the improvement of the environmental
quality in urban river corridors, and preserving and revitalizing historical, cultural, or natural
areas as per s. 30.277, Wis. Stats. Counties, towns, cities, villages, and tribal units of government
are eligible to apply on forms provided by the Department. There is a 50% local match required.
Applications are due in the region office by May 1 of each year. Eligible projects include
acquisition of urban riverfront land that is part of an outdoor recreation plan adopted by the local
unit of government or land that is specifically identified in a river corridor plan for economic
revitalization and outdoor recreation.
Additional Information:
Urban Rivers Grant
WDNR – Acquisition of Development Rights Grants (Stewardship Grant):
The program helps to purchase from landowners development rights (easements) for the protection of
natural, agricultural, or forestry values, that would enhance nature-based outdoor recreation.
Residential, industrial, or commercial development is prohibited on those areas of easement property
that are encumbered by a Stewardship grant. Additional restrictions may apply.
Additional Information:
Acquisition of Development
Rights Grants
WDNR - Priority Watershed Program:
The Priority Watershed and Priority Lake Program provides financial assistance to local units of
government in selected watersheds to address land management activities that contribute to urban
and rural runoff. The WDNR issues grants for the implementation of watershed and lake projects
through a cost-share approach. A priority watershed project assesses sources of nonpoint pollution
in a specific watershed and guides implementation of nonpoint source pollution control measures or
best management practices.
However, as part of the redesign of the State’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Program, no new priority
watershed or lake projects will be selected. Dane County has four Priority Watershed projects. While
the Black Earth Creek and the Yahara-Monona Priority Watershed projects have ended, the Lake Mendota
and Dunlap Creek projects are continuing to the end of their terms.
Participation in the program is voluntary for landowners. Cost-share assistance is provided for
control of the most significant nonpoint sources of pollution. Urban and rural Best Management
Practices (BMPs) are the most effective practice or combination of practices for reducing nonpoint
source pollution to acceptable levels. BMPs are implemented to meet specific water quality goals by
reducing pollution and ultimately enhance and protect the water quality of the streams, rivers and
lakes. For example, alterations in farm management (nutrient management and crop rotation, etc.) and
engineered structures (clean water diversions, sediment basins, etc.) are tailored to landowner
needs. Municipalities are also eligible for cost-share funds and can reduce their impact on the
watershed by installing detention basins and adopting ordinances (for construction sites, etc.).
Additional Information:
Priority Watershed Program
Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP):
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program provides an opportunity for Wisconsin landowners to
enroll agricultural lands into various conservation practices. CREP is a federal, state, and local
partnership involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade, and Consumer Protection, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Wisconsin DNR, the Dane
County Land Conservation Department, and local farmers and land owners. To be eligible for the
program a property must meet specific crop history or pasture land requirements. In addition,
landowners in Dane County are eligible for riparian projects if the land is within 150 feet of an
eligible stream or water body. In the southern grassland project area, including the towns of Blue
Mounds and Perry, lands must be within 1,000 feet of an eligible water body and also be classified
as highly erodible. Specific conservation practices that are eligible to be used in an approved
conservation plan under CREP include: riparian buffers, grassed waterways, filter strips, and
wetland restorations.
Additional Information:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
WisDOT - Flood Damage Aid (FDA):
The DOT’s Flood Damage Aid program assists local governments with replace or improving roads and
roadway structures that have had major damage caused by flooding. FDA funds can be used to defray
the costs of repairing any public highway, street, alley, or bridge not located on the State Trunk
Highway system. The FDA program is authorized in s. 86.34, Wis. Stats. Eligibility requirements
apply.
Additional Information:
Flood Damage Aid
Dane County Parks Department - Dane County Conservation Fund and Conservation Fund Grant Program:
The Dane County Conservation Fund annually earmarks monies from the Dane County Parks budget to
preserve natural, recreational, and cultural resource lands in Dane County. Beginning in 2000, a
new component established a competitive 50% Conservation Fund Grant Program for local governmental
units and non-profit organizations. This new grant program recognizes the power of partnerships in
leveraging County dollars and accelerating the purchase of properties identified through the
County's Park and Open Space Plan. Grants made with, "New Conservation Fund" dollars will be used
by these community partners to buy land or land interests identified in the 1996-2000 Park and Open
Space Plan. Lands eligible for grants from "Old Conservation Fund" dollars are those identified in
either the 1996-2000 Plan or in project areas added in amended or updated plans such as the 2005
Dane County Park and Open Space Plan.
Additional Information:
Dane County
Conservation Fund and Conservation Fund Grant Program
Revised: October 18, 2007
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