Planning
A planning grant or loan is a type of funding source that can be used to assist in developing plans and strategies to protect drinking water source areas. Eligible activities for planning grants can include but are not limited to:
- Delineation: Identifying and mapping drinking water source areas.
- Inventory: Determining known and potential sources of contamination within a drinking water source area.
- Susceptibility: Assessing vulnerability to known and potential sources of contamination.
- Community Engagement: Educating and involving the community in source water protection efforts to raise awareness and promote stewardship.
- Action Plans: Developing short and long-term management strategies for safeguarding water sources.
- Best Management Practices: Developing projects that use best management practices to reduce pollutants in a source water area.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening the abilities of organizations or communities to carry out planning efforts effectively.
Land Purchase and Land Easement
Land purchase is about transferring ownership, while an easement involves allowing limited use of land without transferring ownership.
A land purchase involves buying a piece of real estate, transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer. This transaction usually includes a purchase agreement, due diligence, and closing processes.
A land easement is a legal agreement that allows one party to use a portion of another party's land for a specific purpose, such as accessing a road, installing utilities, or conserving land. The landowner retains ownership, but the easement holder has the right to use that portion of the property under the terms set in the easement agreement.
Stewardship
Stewardship grants are vital for encouraging proactive measures that protect drinking water source areas and promote long-term environmental health.
A stewardship grant or loan is a type of funding source that communities, organizations, and local governments can use for activities which promote the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.