DuPage County provides financial assistance to projects that provide a regional water quality benefit through the Water Quality Improvement Program. Eligible projects include: streambank stabilization involving bioengineering practices; in-stream habitat improvements; pond restoration; channel rehabilitation; riparian buffer rehabilitation; wetland creation and/or restoration; and green building technologies that reduce or filter stormwater runoff.
DuPage County offers to potentially fund Conceptual Design Reports for eligible entities, as well as up to 20 percent of construction costs for the portions of projects that provide water quality benefits not otherwise required. Additionally, up to 20 percent of the design, permitting, and maintenance and monitoring costs are eligible for reimbursement through the Water Quality Improvement Program, provided that the project is constructed. The maintenance and monitoring costs are associated with all projects and generally extend for three to five years following construction to ensure project success.
Groups or individuals are eligible to apply for the grants. Projects are prioritized based on an evaluation of project merit; those providing a greater water quality benefit will have a greater prioritization, thus there may be benefit in soliciting participation from neighboring stakeholders.
