In 2003, the Kentucky River Authority (KRA) initiated a Watershed Grant Program to provide financial assistance to local groups interested in engaging in watershed education, management or water quality sampling activities.  Fifteen grants of up to $3,000 have been awarded since the program’s inception.  Details about the 2004, 2005 and 2006 grant recipients can be found online at http://www.uky.edu/OtherOrgs/KRWW.

Based on the positive response from basin residents and the continuing willingness of the River Authority to assist grass-roots interest in improving Kentucky River watersheds, the KRA Board renewed their watershed grant program for FY2006-07 for a total of $15,000 in available grant funding.  The Kentucky River Authority is now soliciting applications for the fourth round of watershed grants.

WHO SHOULD APPLY? 
Local groups wanting to:

1. Increase interest and understanding of the water quality within a local watershed;
2. Educate public or students about local water quality status;
3. Improve water quality of local water bodies; and
4. Engender an appreciation of community water resources.

Grants will be awarded to legal non-profit organizations, such as schools, city/county agencies, environmental groups, youth organizations (i.e., Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts), etc.

WHAT LEVEL OF GRANT FUNDING IS POSSIBLE?
Grants of up to $3,000 will be awarded to individual applicants.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Water resources within the Kentucky River Basin provide a variety of functions and benefits to the basin’s communities.  These include recreational opportunities, drinking water, habitat for fish and other wildlife, and scenic attractions for tourists and residents.  Protecting and improving water resources in the Kentucky River Basin will benefit current residents, as well as those of future generations.

HOW CAN I OBTAIN A GRANT APPLICATION AND WHEN ARE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE?    
The application form is available online at www.uky.edu/otherorgs/krww or can be mailed to you by requesting it from the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute at the phone number listed below.  Completed applications should be mailed (or e-mailed) by November 30, 2006.  Grants will be awarded in January 2007.

WHERE SHOULD COMPLETED APPLICATIONS BE SENT?