Press release from Buncombe County Government:
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners received an update on the new Clean Water Fund, a pilot project aimed at improving water quality in Buncombe County. The Board of Commissioners set aside $100,000 in the FY24 budget to fund the Clean Water Fund which engages nonprofits and government agencies in watershed improvements.
The Buncombe County Clean Water Fund supports Buncombe County’s strategic plan vision of “high quality air, water, farmland and renewable energy for future generations.” Underscoring the importance of this pilot, Vice Chair Terri Wells stated, “Buncombe County Soil and Water has been doing great work in this area for several years and I feel like these strategic water quality projects will help us to ‘up our game’ in Buncombe County.”
The fund is anticipated to support 1-3 projects, with each project ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis, and recipients will be required to provide a site visit, a mid-project update, and a final report. The committee will recommend projects and funding amounts based on project scores as well as the anticipated water quality impact, taking factors into consideration such as geography, equity, and project focus areas.
To be eligible for a Buncombe County Clean Water Fund grant, an organization must be a nonprofit or government including council of governments. Additionally, any project that is proposed must be included in an existing watershed management plan. Non-profits must have been in active operation as an incorporated nonprofit for a minimum of two (2) years. Organizations must operate in Buncombe County and provide service within Buncombe County. If an organization does not meet these criteria, it may partner with another organization to serve as the fiscal agent for the purposes of administering grant funding.
Funds can be used for new construction, repair, restoration, and plantings. Construction drawings and engineering studies are also eligible for funding; however, shovel ready projects are preferred. Applicants must be able leverage funds or resources to support the goals of the proposed project.
Timeline
Minority Business
Buncombe County’s adopted Minority Business Plan encourages participation by minority and women owned businesses. Buncombe County policy is to provide minority contractors an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of its contracting and procurement programs, and to prohibit any and all discrimination against persons or businesses in pursuit of these opportunities. Minority Business Plan questions may be directed to Buncombe County Procurement at (828) 250-4154. Sources for certified minority firms are available at http://www.doa.nc.gov/hub.
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