Utilities Accepting Proposals for 2023 Residential Stormwater Grants

Bloomington, Ind.–The City of Bloomington Utilities Department (CBU) invites homeowners to apply for funding through the fifth annual Residential Stormwater Grants Program. CBU helps homeowners pay for environmentally friendly drainage projects such as rain gardens, bioswales, and detention-pond maintenance. CBU will host a public information meeting about the grant application process and project requirements on Wednesday, March 22, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Utilities Service Center, 600 E. Miller Drive. This information will be recorded and available on the CBU grants webpage at bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/grants.  

CBU provides small grants to homeowners for sustainable stormwater infrastructure projects on private residential property. These projects help control stormwater before it enters local waterways or the City’s stormwater conveyance infrastructure known as the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). Improving stormwater management can reduce localized flooding and erosion and reduce pollutants entering local waterways since stormwater flows directly into our streams and water system without treatment. 

For consideration during the 2023 review window, prospective applicants must submit an application by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/grants. CBU recommends that residents get a head start on their applications in the Spring because it takes time to research options, develop a plan, and meet with potential contractors. 

The City Council approved funding for the program through a stormwater fee in 2018. Stormwater revenue funds “green” infrastructure improvements in City projects when “gray” infrastructure is traditionally used. These projects contribute to improved stormwater management in the community.

In 2022, the program funded 10 projects that ranged from around $1,500 to $11,000 and included rain gardens, dry creek beds, and other drainage stabilization projects.

“This partnership with property owners increases our resilience by adapting to the real effects of climate change. Together we can work to control flooding, protect our waterways, and mitigate future damage in environmentally responsible ways,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Through this program, residents and CBU can together reduce our collective climate impact and strengthen our resilience.”

A review committee will rank the applications and decide which projects to fund and how much each will receive. Projects will be selected based on their potential to improve drainage and reduce the number of pollutants discharged into our waterways. Projects containing “greener” stormwater solutions involving more than one property and/or residing in low-income areas as designated by the Census will be preferred.

For more information and alternate submittal options, please contact Kriste Lindberg at stormwater@bloomington.in.gov or at 812-349-3617.