Wetland Mitigation Banking Fund Program - Grant

The Wetland Mitigation Bank Funding (WMBF) Program was enacted under Part 52, Section 5204f of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, as amended) to increase the establishment of wetland mitigation banks in Michigan. The primary purpose of the grant program is to encourage and assist eligible municipalities in developing bank sites in areas and watersheds that do not currently have existing mitigation credit markets or available credits. Wetland mitigation banking facilitates compliance with state and federal wetland protection requirements by establishing new wetland areas in advance of anticipated wetland losses, providing credits that can be used or sold while achieving larger, better-managed wetland restoration.

Eligible applicants are limited to Michigan municipalities interested in developing a wetland mitigation bank. The program specifically targets projects located in regions lacking available credits to foster new mitigation markets across the state.

Grant funds may be used to develop an approvable wetland mitigation banking proposal, conduct required notifications to local units of government and adjacent property owners while resolving project objections, complete planning and design work for the wetland mitigation bank, and prepare a WMBF loan application or application for other financing sources. Grants are limited to 90 percent of eligible project costs and require a 10 percent local match.

Eligible municipalities may apply by downloading and completing the WMBF Grant Application available through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division website. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with program staff and review wetland mitigation banking administrative rules and guidelines prior to submittal.