March 2, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that applications for the 2007 Community Pollution Prevention (P2) Grants are available to public parks across the state through April 30, 2007.

The 2007 Community P2 Grant Program seeks to bring local government, businesses, planning agencies, and residents together to create change through pollution prevention. The goal of this program is to institute P2 practices and waste reductions at public parks, and offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about P2 and environmentally sustainable practices while observing day-to-day operations at those parks.

The DEQ has a total of $250,000 in grant funds available to township, county, and municipal parks and recreation agencies; local health departments; and regional planning agencies to fund P2 at public parks. Organizations receiving grants must provide a match of at least 25 percent, and the maximum grant amount is $10,000 for each project.

Examples of activities that could qualify for funding under this grant program are:

- Development of a park-wide P2 program;

- Recycling projects;

- Implementation of education outreach programs to train park staff and
  visitors about P2;

- The disposal of solid and hazardous waste, pesticides, and fertilizers 
  located on park property;

- Replacement of hazardous cleaning products through the purchase of
  environmentally friendly products;

- The purchase and installation of water saving fixtures and landscaping;

- The purchase of energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling, and
  maintenance equipment;

- Green demolition and construction projects.

For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Science and Services Division, at 800-662-9278.

Click to access the Request for Proposal.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised March 2, 2007 by Pat Watson