DEM
Announces $4 Million More in Funding to Help Communities, Local
Groups Protect Open Space
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that $4 million in open space matching grants is available to help communities and local organizations protect valuable green space throughout the state.
The
Open Space Grant Program's 2019 grant round is now open, with a deadline of
October 25, 2019. Funding provided through the 2016 Green Economy Bond and the
2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond – which Rhode Island voters approved by
a margin of almost 80 percent last November – is capitalizing the grants.
"We're excited to partner with cities, towns, and organizations that work hard to protect properties in their communities that delight families, support wildlife, and plan for impacts from climate change," said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"Preserving
Rhode Island's precious resources and increasing the public's access and
enjoyment of our natural lands benefit our residents and our economy many times
over. We look forward to partnering with the successful applicants on this new
grant opportunity."
As
part of this grant round, awards up to $400,000 – which may cover up to half of
the project cost – will help preserve lands that offer significant natural,
ecological, or agricultural value by direct purchase or conservation easement.
Climate
change-related impacts of a project will be considered and projects that
connect or expand existing protected lands will be prioritized. In addition to
these grants, funding is available to cover some costs associated with
appraisal, title, and survey services. Restrictions apply, and applicants are
encouraged to review the grant guidelines available at
www.dem.ri.gov/plangrants.
Electronic
applications are encouraged and should be forwarded to Michelle Sheehan in the
Division of Planning & Development at michelle.sheehan@dem.ri.gov by 4 PM
on Friday, October 25.
Proposals
and supporting materials also may be mailed to Ms. Sheehan's attention at DEM,
Division of Planning & Development, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI
02908.
Municipalities,
land trusts, and nonprofit land conservation organizations are eligible to
apply. Applications will be reviewed and ranked by the Natural Heritage
Preservation Advisory Committee, with final awards to be made by the State
Natural Heritage Preservation Commission.
Rhode
Island's wealth of historic parks, bikeways and green spaces provide for public
enjoyment – in addition to improving the health of the environment,
strengthening the state's climate resilience, and supporting the economy.
Since 1985, over 11,000 acres of land have been protected through the Local Open Space Grant program, including nearly 1,700 acres over the past five years. Places used by residents and tourists alike for outdoor recreation, including iconic properties such as Weetoomoo Woods and Pardon Gray in Tiverton, Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Third Beach in Middletown, and Mercy Woods in Cumberland, all have been protected through this program.
Since 1985, over 11,000 acres of land have been protected through the Local Open Space Grant program, including nearly 1,700 acres over the past five years. Places used by residents and tourists alike for outdoor recreation, including iconic properties such as Weetoomoo Woods and Pardon Gray in Tiverton, Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Third Beach in Middletown, and Mercy Woods in Cumberland, all have been protected through this program.
These
natural assets spur the economy by providing opportunities for the public to
camp, fish, hunt, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors while generating revenue.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in RI
generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 local jobs
.
.
DEM's
Green Space programs – which include Local Open Space, Outdoor Recreation, and
Recreational Trail grants – fund land conservation, recreational land
acquisition and development, and recreational trail development and improvement
statewide.
For
more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter
(@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
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