News Briefs: Water Quality Grants Available; Chelsea Library Plans Community Reading Event

New water grants available for municipalities

New state and federal grants are available to help local municipalities and nonprofit groups protect, restore and manage area watersheds, Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, announced on Sunday.

Local governments, state agencies and nonprofits are eligible to submit their proposals to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Almost $4 million in grant money is available. Previously approved proposals also can be submitted to implement new projects.  

"Proper watershed management is vitally important to help improve water quality and our overall environment," said Ouimet, chairman of the House Local, Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee.   "Local governments and nonprofits are making the most effective use of their limited resources, and these grants are a tremendous asset for a healthier environment."

Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to the Department of Environmental Quality by Sept. 7. All necessary information, such as eligibility criteria and requisite forms, can be found at www.michigangov/deq.

Local residents can contact Ouimet's office toll free at 855-627-5052 or e-mail markouimet@house.mi.gov.

Chelsea District Library Plans Community Reading Event

The Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation have partnered together to offer the library's annual "Chelsea Reads Together" program, a month-long community read taking place in October. The community will be reading The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner.

“This partnership and the financial support of the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation is making it possible to take 'Chelsea Reads Together' to the next level, bringing in nationally-known speakers and  distributing over 400 copies of The Blue Zones throughout Chelsea,” Sara Wedell, head of adult services at Chelsea District Library said.

The Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation provides grants to address health related needs in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge.

“The Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation is thrilled that 'Chelsea Reads Together' is featuring a book spotlighting longevity and wellness. We are honored to be working with a great institution and are excited about creating a culture of wellness in the community,” said Patrick Conlin, chairman of the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation grant committee.

"Chelsea Reads Together" is a partnership between Chelsea District Library, Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation and Chelsea School District focused on creating a community read where an entire community reads one book and comes together to discuss and engage in activities inspired by the themes of the book. The Blue Zones is about healthy habits for living longer, happy lives.