Advisory committee seeking projects for state funding

The Coeur d’Alene Lake Advisory Committee is soliciting projects that will reduce nutrient pollution in the lake through $20 million in state funding.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 15.

Created through Gov. Brad Little’s Building Idaho’s Future initiative, the advisory committee is tasked with identifying projects that could improve the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake by 2023.

The $20 million in state funds is in addition to $2 million Little directed last year toward “shovel-ready” projects that improve water quality in Lake Coeur d’Alene. This second round of funding aims to advance additional cleanup projects that reduce phosphorus pollution in the lake.

The committee will use the following criteria to prioritize proposals:

• On-the-ground projects that reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Coeur d’Alene

• Projects located within Idaho and the watershed area draining to the lake

• Projects that reduce levels of phosphorus entering Lake Coeur d’Alene and its tributaries

• Community support for the project

Federally owned or managed lands are ineligible. Monitoring, education and outreach may be a component of a project but not the primary focus.

For an application, visit: www.deq.idaho.gov/coeur-dalene-lake-advisory-committee-notice-of-solicitation/