Who Qualifies for Water Quality Funding in Montana
GrantID: 11473
Grant Funding Amount Low: $250,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $700,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Streamlined Water Quality Data Sharing in Montana
Montana grapples with significant barriers related to water quality management, particularly in rural areas where access to timely information about water quality is often lacking. Traditionally, rural Montanans face systemic challenges in water resource management due to geographical isolation and outdated infrastructure, which leaves many communities uninformed about the health of their water sources. With only 7 people per square mile, the distribution and accessibility of information becomes even more critical in ensuring that communities can make informed decisions about their water supply.
In Montana, agricultural producers, local governments, and citizens alike are impacted by this lack of timely data. Farmers, for example, rely heavily on accurate water quality indicators to maintain safe irrigation practices. If they cannot access up-to-date information on contaminants or other health risks, they are forced to make uninformed decisions that could endanger both public health and their livelihoods. This gap is particularly significant in areas that rely on agricultural water management and in indigenous communities that have specific cultural and ecological ties to the land and water.
To address these issues, this funding initiative aims to develop streamlined systems for water quality data sharing across Montana. The proposed project focuses on creating standardized methods for data collection and dissemination to ensure that communities receive timely and relevant information. By collaborating with research institutions and state agencies, stakeholders can enhance transparency, allowing local governments and citizens to effectively monitor and assess their water quality.
Desired outcomes for this initiative include improved access to water quality data for over 200 rural communities in Montana, fostering informed decision-making in local water management practices. The goal is to achieve standardized reporting practices that will lead to enhanced public health outcomes and greater accountability among water resource users.
Implementing this new system requires a collaborative approach, involving partnerships with local agencies, water districts, and agricultural associations. By improving data accessibility, Montana aims to support sustainable water management practices throughout the state, thereby promoting healthier water systems for communities and ecosystems alike.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
