Wildlife, Trails To Receive Boosts In Restoration Funds

SANTA CLARA, CA -- The Santa Clara Valley Water District has free-flowing grant money to be earmarked for wildlife restoration and trail access with open space under the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program parcel tax.

First, the district has opened an application process to award up to $571,000 in grant funding for projects related to developing access to trails and open space. An additional $120,000 in grant funding is available for projects that support volunteer cleanup efforts, education and watershed stewardship activities.

The funding also allows the district to continue supporting volunteer cleanup activities such as National River Cleanup Day, California Coastal Cleanup Day, the Great American Pick Up, and Adopt-A-Creek, as well as Creek Connections Action Group and creek wise education.

The Access to Trails and Open Space request for proposal aims to fund projects that provide access to trails or trails that provide a significant link to the creekside trail network. One example is the possible construction of a bridge over Coyote Creek in the Rock Springs neighborhood of San José.

All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the district’s grant portal, https://applygrants.valleywater.org. More information may be obtained at grants@valleywater.org.

Secondly, the water district has opened an application process to award up to $200,000 in mini-grants designed to provide seed funding to more extensive or long-term community engagement in wildlife habitat restoration and watershed stewardship activities in Santa Clara County.

Mini-grants will be awarded to restore wildlife habitats, which are a priority of the Safe, Clean Water Program. All projects must be located in Santa Clara County. Projects funded under the mini-grants program must provide at least one of the following benefits:

• Enhance creek and bay ecosystems
• Improve fish passage and habitat
• Increase community awareness and understanding of watershed stewardship

Details on the application process are posted at https://www.valleywater.org/learning-center/safe-clean-water-and-natural-flood-protection-grants-partnerships-program. Applications will be accepted throughout the year until all grant funds have been disbursed.

Applicants may request up to $5,000 per project. Applications must demonstrate matching funds of at least 25 percent of the total project cost. This grant cycle is the second round of funding for mini-grants. During the 15-year life of the Safe, Clean Water Program, the water district expects to distribute nearly $35 million in grants, partnerships and rebate programs, under several different funding categories. Each year, one or more grant programs will have a new funding cycle.

For more information, visit grants@valleywater.org.

--Image via Sue Wood, Patch