Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost-Share Grants
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, 20 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.
The Realize Raingardens Rochester program has expanded and will cost-share grants to both residential customers and non-profit organizations located within the city limits of Rochester. Residential applications must propose projects located within Rochester’s city limits on a residential parcel owned by a Rochester citizen. Community applications must be submitted by a non-profit organization for a proposed location that has an ability to reach large audiences. Applicants have until May 1, 2014 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 eight 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 2014 on 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. People without computer access may contact Barb Huberty, Public Works Department at (507) 328-2425 to request an application package or obtain assistance while preparing grant applications.
Save the Date for Related Programs:
• Introduction to Raingardens: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 7-8:30pm at Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center (www.cascademeadow.org)
• Realize Raingardens Rochester Cost Share Grant Writing Workshop: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 7-9:00pm in City Hall Conference Room 104
Contact: Barb Huberty, City of Rochester, Public Works Department, 507-328-2440
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