Stormwater Grant

In 2023, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WCWRC) began implementation of a stormwater grant through its commitment to the protection of surface water and the environment by providing stormwater management, flood control, development review, and water quality programs. In total WCWRC has committed a total of $2,000,000 from years 2023-2025 to aid in furthering these goals.

Funding is available for construction costs as part of an overall project. Eligible projects will be those that provide improved water quality, flood control, or green infrastructure while restoring or protecting environmental features in local watersheds. Additional considerations will be made for projects that provide multiple benefits or serve disadvantaged communities.

We are pleased to announce that an additional and final round of funding will be made available in early 2024 for local units of government wishing to submit eligible stormwater projects. Nearly $800,000 has already been awarded amid overall requests exceeding $1,150,000, and it is anticipated the remaining $1,200,000 will be awarded during this cycle.

Application Process and Timing

Funding is expected to be completed through this round of applications, which are due by 5:00 pm on January 16, 2024.

Staff will review and score applications and make recommendations for funding to the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner.

The awarded funds will not be made available to the applicant until a project agreement has been executed and stipulated deadlines/milestones have been met.

Please note that this is a reimbursement-based grant program.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include local units of government in Washtenaw County.

All construction project areas must be within the County borders.

Multiple applications can be considered from each applicant each grant cycle, but please note that the number of awards per organization may be limited.

Applicants that do not receive grant monies in the initial cycle will be given preference in subsequent cycles.

Funding

A total of $2,000,000 in matching funds is available for eligible projects to be distributed in two grant cycles. Award monies must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and all funds spent by December 31, 2026. Funding will be allocated among three project categories.

Local road crossings and stormwater renewals/improvements
water quality (including green infrastructure)
flood control/stormwater resilience (including channel conveyance renewals or infiltration)

Award amounts will be based upon number and quality of submissions, but a minimum of $150k will be dedicated to each category (assuming there are quality applications in all three categories and that the project achieves the minimum scoring threshold). Maximum award amount for any single project will again be $200k per round.

Only projects that provide a minimum of 50% matching funds (of construction cost) will be considered. Matching funds from multiple sources or other grants are eligible.

Construction

WCWRC will fund projects that will be ready for construction to begin within the next 18 months. Applications should include any pre-application activities such as planning, feasibility, hydraulic/hydrologic studies, engineering, etc. already complete.

Construction projects will be required to:

Be competitively bid and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder
Comply with all applicable regulatory and permit requirements, including county provisions such as ADA or prevailing wage
Use engineering plans that will be or were prepared by a licensed engineer, landscape architect, or similar professional.
Overhead costs associated with the applicant’s staff shall not be considered expenses eligible for reimbursement.

Review Criteria

Applicants should document the project’s contribution to overall stormwater management and its value to county residents. In reviewing applications, the project will be scored against criteria established in the scoring criteria form:

Conveyance Resilience

Rainfall trends show increased frequency and intensity, particularly over the past twenty years. These trends are only expected to continue. Projects incorporating future rainfall trends for conveyance without measurable detriment to downstream communities will score higher.

Storage and Water Quality Resilience

Protects or restores floodplains and wetlands, incorporates multiple BMP’s, and encourages infiltration.

Benefit to Public Health and Environment

Includes hazard mitigation and addresses pollutant reduction within a formal plan. Additional points awarded for high traffic roadways that contribute greater pollutant loads to local watersheds.

Storm Water Project Plan

Communities should have a developed watershed or overall stormwater management plan. Includes asset management plans, capital improvement plans, or related.

Existing Asset Condition

Assets in degraded or impaired condition, as rated on recognized grading system.

Disadvantaged Communities

Located in communities that may need additional support before, during and after disasters. Federal Vulnerability Index rating used for scoring purposes.

Local Matching Funds and Partnerships

Considers percentage of local match and applicants submitted through a partnership with other local groups.

Cost Effectiveness

Addresses the greatest number of hazard mitigation benefits for the lowest cost.