SWCD reports progress on Clean Water Indiana pollinator grant; three flagship projects planned
Loading...
Summary
District staff told the board the Clean Water Indiana pollinator establishment grant is in its third year and about 57% spent, with roughly $137,819 remaining for on-the-ground cost-share projects; ten properties are participating and three larger projects will receive most remaining funds.
District staff reported on the status of a Clean Water Indiana (CWI) pollinator establishment grant, saying the program is in its third year and that approximately 57% of grant funds have been spent to date. The staff presentation said about $137,819 remains available for on-the-ground cost-share projects and identified 10 participating properties.
According to staff, much of the early grant cycle was used for administrative setup — negotiating contracts, obtaining Notices of Intent and other project setup steps — and the district now has several completed projects and multiple larger “flagship” projects slated to receive the majority of remaining funds. Staff said the museum/historical society site is among the larger projects; the Friendship Botanic Gardens work was also mentioned as a late‑year invasive‑species control effort.
Staff provided a high‑level accounting: the grant was described in the meeting as a program “over $350,000” and elsewhere as “$320,000,” language that was not reconciled during the meeting. Staff also noted that roughly $31,300 of the accounting covers a staff salary line and that about 40% of intern time billed was spent on non‑CWI functions, leaving a smaller pool of intern support for future CWI work.
The board asked questions about project delivery and cost‑share mechanics. Staff said participants will typically provide a 25% cost share and that contracting work for participants will be used to achieve professional installation under district direction; this approach, staff said, reduces on‑site time required of district staff and aims to expedite completion of the remaining projects.
Staff also said they expect to publish a press release related to a separate item (Hitachi Solaire) and to report back next month on attendance at an event promoting farmers and conservation in Northwest Indiana, which a district representative plans to attend on Jan. 28.
Next steps: staff indicated ongoing accounting work, continued contracting for the three larger projects, and reporting back to the board at a future meeting. The meeting did not include any formal motions or board votes specific to changing the grant scope or reallocating funds.
