Michigan DEQ offering small grants for local waterway cleanup projects

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently made $25,000 available for small grants to fund local cleanup efforts for Michigan waterways under the state’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program.

The DEQ is accepting applications for the grants, which require applicants to match the requested funds by a minimum of 25 percent, until Jan. 25. Local units of government seeking to carry out projects that will result in cleaner rivers, streams and creeks are encouraged to apply. Grant eligibility allows for partnerships with nonprofits and volunteer groups. Final decision will be made in April.

Interested parties can find more information about the grants and the application process on the DEQ’s website. The Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program is funded by the state’s specialty water quality protection license plates, which can be purchased from the Secretary of State’s Office.