PRESS RELEASE

CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE

July 25, 2018

    Legislative Contacts

    Scott Meacham

    Gwen Foley

    804-698-1810

For Immediate Release

Applications being accepted for monies from sale of Chesapeake Bay license plates until Sept. 25; $273,710 available

    The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee is accepting applications for grants to support Chesapeake Bay-related education and restoration activities.  The grants are funded with monies from the sale of the special Chesapeake Bay license plate, “Friend of the Chesapeake.”  This year $273,710 in grant monies will be awarded to eligible applicants.  During this past year, 80 grantees received $309,852 in grant funds.  Since 1996, over $8 million has been awarded as a result of the sale of the “Friend of the Chesapeake" plate.

    The NEW deadline for submitting a proposal for 2019 support grants is September 25, 2018.  Grant funds will be awarded in May-June 2019.  To be eligible for receiving a grant, applicants should submit proposals emphasizing environmental education or restoration and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay.  Projects focusing on environmental education should increase public awareness and knowledge about the Bay, and projects of a restoration and conservation nature should be action oriented.  Grants are awarded for one year, except in special circumstances.  Grant funds may not be used to supplant existing state or local general fund appropriations.

    Applications will be accepted from private not-for-profit conservation organizations, schools and universities, and governmental agencies whose projects will affect water bodies that are located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  There is no limit on the amount that an applicant may request.  More information on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, including the application, W-9 and EDI forms, grant guidelines, and a catalogue of past projects can be found at http://dls.virginia.gov/commissions/cbr.htm.

    General Assembly members of the Advisory Committee are Senator DeSteph of Virginia Beach, Delegate Hodges of Urbanna, and Delegate Ransone of Kinsale.  Citizen members include Terra Pascarosa Duff of Virginia Beach, John W. Peterson of Burke, Claiborne B. Roberts of Sandston, and Daniel G. Van Clief, III of Charlottesville.