W.Va. Conservation Agency Taking Public Comment on New Grant Program

The West Virginia Conservation Agency Thursday announced it is now taking public comment on a new rule that would create a grant program for conservation projects across the state.

The proposed rule outlines eligibility requirements and technical standards for grant recipients seeking funding from the State Conservation Committee through a newly created conservation grant program.

The rule was created by a bill passed by the Legislature last session. Senate Bill 655 authorized the creation of a grant program to boost conservation projects that reduce soil erosion and protect West Virginia’s waterways from sediment.

In a press release, the West Virginia Conservation Agency said it had begun a 30-day public comment period and would accept comment through Saturday, June 29 on the proposed rule, which can be viewed on the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website.

The agency will also hold a public meeting on June 5 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Braxton County Technical Center/Rural Emergency Trauma Institute Training Center at 89 Richard D. Minnich Drive in Sutton.

Comments may be submitted to: Belinda Withrow, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., East, Charleston, WV 25305, or bwithrow@wvca.us. Please write “Proposed Rule” in the subject line of an e-mail comment.