DNRC program offers various grants

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is accepting applications for two grant and loan programs that promote the conservation, development or reclamation of natural resources in Montana.

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan (RRGL) program offers grants of up to $100,000 and low-interest loans up to the amount a community has the ability to repay.

Projects funded through RRGL conserve, manage, develop or protect a renewable resource. Past projects funded include irrigation efficiency improvements, watershed planning and restoration, rangeland or timber management, renewable energy and projects designed to reduce the use of agricultural chemicals.

Community infrastructure projects such as water or wastewater treatment and solid waste are also eligible. Approximately $6 million is available biannually for the RRGL program.

The Reclamation and Development Grants (RDG) program offers grants of up to $300,000 for projects that repair, reclaim or mitigate the effects of past mineral development in Montana, and for projects that protect the state’s environment and benefit its citizens.

An estimated $5 million is available biannually for this program.

Any division of state, county, city or tribal government is eligible to apply, along with any local political subdivision. The application deadline is May 15, 2012.

All grant and loan requests must be authorized by the 2013 Montana Legislature.

Applications are available by writing to the Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation, Resource Development Bureau, PO Box 201601, Helena, Mont., 59620-1601, or by calling (406) 444-6668.