Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost-Share Grants!

Start the new year planning for a new rain garden! The City of Rochester now accepting applications for the Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost-Share Grant program.

Now Accepting Realize Raingardens Rochester Grant Applications

In 2009, the City of Rochester launched Realize Raingardens Rochester – a cost-share grant program promoting the installation of residential raingardens in Rochester.  A task force of interested citizens and the City’s Public Works staff developed this program.  Selected sites are used to demonstrate how raingardens slow, treat, and infiltrate storm water, while adding beauty to neighborhoods and creating habitat for songbirds and butterflies.

Since 2009, 16 raingardens have been installed and hundreds of residents have discovered the benefits of these water-cleaning wonders through tours, Raingarden Parties, and workshops.  This program is also a recipient of the Committee on Urban Design & Environment’s Institutional Development award.

Residential storm water utility customers in Rochester have until May 1, 2012 to submit their application for a cost-share grant to assist in the creation of a raingarden.  Applications are reviewed and ranked, with the top seven projects receiving a cost-share grant.  The grant award will be for 50% of verifiable costs, up to a maximum of $750.00 per project.  Eligible expenditures include the costs for the design, plants, mulch, soil amendment, related materials, and labor.  To be considered for this year’s grant round, raingardens must be installed in 2012 on residential parcels within Rochester’s city limits and outside of utility and drainage easements or road rights-of-way.

More details about the Realize Raingardens Rochester cost-share grant program, including the application form and pictures of past grant winners, can be found on the City’s storm water website: http://www.rochesterstormwater.com/r_r_r.asp.  People without computer access may contact Megan Duffey, Public Works Department at (507) 328-2440 to request an application package or obtain assistance while preparing grant applications.

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