On October 9, 2003, EPA announced a second round of funding for Watershed Initiative grants. The focus of the grant is to "support the study of promising watershed-based approaches to improving water quality." This year EPA will place a somewhat larger emphasis on studies of "market-based approaches to water quality protection and restoration."

In order for EPA to consider projects by groups, they must be submitted to EPA for consideration by Governor James E. McGreevey. The Governor is limited to nominating two watershed projects in his jurisdiction, yet may nominate an "unlimited number of watersheds that cross state, tribal or national boundaries." States are given the option of soliciting to watershed groups and organizations for projects that they feel meet the needs of the state's watershed program and mission.

As such, the NJDEP is interested in receiving your project ideas. If you are interested, the Division of Watershed Management (DWM) is requesting that you submit a maximum one page pre-proposal describing your project and forward it to the DWM, via Kerry Kirk Pflugh, Manager, Office of Outreach and Education, Division of Watershed Management, 401 East State Street, PO Box 418, Trenton, NJ 08625 or kerry.pflugh@dep.state.nj.us no later than Wednesday, November 19,2003. The DWM will review each pre-proposal submitted and select those projects that are appropriate for further development and submittal to the Governor's office for consideration for nomination.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Kerry Kirk Pflugh at 609-292-2113. For further information on the EPA Watershed Initiative grants please visit: www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/initiative.