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DENVER - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $3 million in grant funding for 11 projects to help study, protect, manage and restore valuable wetlands across America's mountains and plains region.
Receiving funds in North Dakota are the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, $262,500; Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, $321,417; and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, at least $149,514.
"EPA knows our state, local, and Tribal partners are best suited to manage the wetlands in their own backyards, and these Wetland Program Develop Grants allow them to do just that,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western.
In addition to the nearly $3 million in federal awards to Region 8 recipients this year, the awardees bring over $1 million in matching funds.
Wetlands produce resources, support commercial industries and recreational activities, protect water quality through pollution control and provide flood protection, according to the EPA. This year's EPA Wetland Program Development Grant funding will help state, tribal, and local partners in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming develop or enhance their wetland protection programs. These programs aim to inform and improve the health and management of wetlands in the region.