Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program has launched its new Green infrastructure Grant Program, covering the cost of green infrastructure projects across the county.

“Green infrastructure” refers to natural systems like streams, prairies, forests and wetlands. The program seeks to fund implementation projects that advance watershed health, reduce flooding and erosion risks, and improve stormwater quality in alignment with the program’s watershed master plans.

Projects may fall into one of two funding areas:

• Natural Area Preservation and Enhancement: Projects that protect, restore or enhance natural systems providing stormwater and watershed benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Floodplain, wetland and riparian corridor protection or restoration
  • Native vegetation and tree canopy enhancement
  • Stream and bank stabilization using nature-based approaches
• Urban/Suburban Area Improvements: Projects that address priority risk areas, mitigate heat island effects or treat impervious surface runoff, including but not limited to:
  • Native vegetation and tree canopy expansion and/or enhancement
  • Stream and bank stabilization using nature-based approaches
  • Runoff reduction practices

Eligible applicants include cities participating in the Stormwater Management Program (especially parks departments), schools, watershed organizations, non-profit organizations, and private entities with projects that go “above and beyond” regulatory development standards.

A total of $1.5 million in funding is available through the program, with a minimum award of $75,000 and a maximum award of $500,000 per project. Projects may receive 50-100% of eligible project costs.

Up to 100% funding may be awarded for high-priority, high-impact projects that strongly advance watershed master plan objectives or address critical flooding, erosion or water quality issues. View this map for Green Infrastructure priority areas.

Projects will be evaluated and scored based on:

• Alignment with Johnson County watershed master plan priorities
• Anticipated stormwater, flood reduction and water quality benefits
• Environmental and community co-benefits
• Technical feasibility and readiness
• Cost-effectiveness and leverage of matching funds

There are two application deadlines: a first-round deadline on June 5 and a second-round deadline on August 28. There will also be a virtual Q&A via Microsoft Teams on May 15 at 10 a.m.

Learn more and apply for the Green Infrastructure Grant Program. If you have questions during the application period, please email Lesley Rigney at lesley.rigney@jocogov.org.