DeWine, ODAg Announce $5M H2Ohio Best Management Practice Grant Program

Source: The Hannah Report

Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODAg) Monday announced a $5 million grant program for a new H2Ohio Best Management Practice (BMP) -- the Two-Stage Ditch. A two-stage ditch is a conservation practice that modifies the shape of a drainage ditch to create vegetation benches on each side. The vegetative benches slow water flow and reduce downstream nutrient runoff.

This is the eighth BMP that ODAg has offered in the H2Ohio program. The Two-Stage Ditch Grant Program is available in the 24 counties in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), and county engineers are eligible to apply for up to full reimbursement of the two-stage ditch construction.

"Two stage ditches are an important technology that reestablishes the natural floodplain area, which lowers flood risk and increases water quality," said Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski. "H2Ohio's investment will improve the quality of life for those in the Maumee River Watershed."

Applications for the grant program should be mailed directly to SWCDs and county engineer offices and must be completed and submitted by Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.

Learn more about H2Ohio at https://h2.ohio.gov.