Sussex Conservation District Launches New Water Program for Homeowners, HOAs
GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) has launched a new Community Conservation Assistance Program aimed at helping homeowners and homeowner associations (HOAs) implement water conservation practices.
The program expands the district’s conservation services beyond agriculture, providing technical assistance and financial support for small-scale projects on non-agricultural lands throughout Sussex County. Eligible projects may receive up to 75% reimbursement of approved project costs for conservation practices designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution and enhance local habitats. These include projects like rain gardens, conservation landscaping, tree planting, stormwater facility enhancements, and other best management practices (BMPs).
“Communities play an important role in protecting our local waterways,” said Jessica Watson, director of the Sediment and Stormwater Program. “This program gives homeowners and HOAs the tools and support they need to be part of the solution while advancing broader conservation goals across Sussex County.”
Siobhan Kelley, communications and outreach specialist, said, “One of the reasons why we all live here is we love being close to the water and the wildlife that inhabits where we live. So, we want to help make sure our water stays clean and that our wildlife has habitat.”
The Community Conservation Assistance Program helps homeowners and municipalities implement what they call BMPs.
“These BMPs can be wetland creation, tree planting, meadow establishment, enhancement of their stormwater management systems — there are multiple practices,” Watson said.
Through these practices, the program aims to help homeowners improve water quality and enhance the overall appearance of their communities. It also helps minimize the spread of nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from rainfall or melting snow.
“If somebody has a soggy spot in their yard, a rain garden might be the perfect BMP to install to help alleviate that drainage issue,” Watson said.
The Sussex Conservation District offers cost-share funding to cover up to 75% of a project, not to exceed $7,500.
“We want to make sure they have the tools and financial resources to take these stormwater facilities to the next level, providing additional water quality and nutrient removal to enhance our water quality here in the state,” Watson said.
The district has already received numerous inquiries from people interested in the program.
“Our biggest interest has been in tree plantings and constructed wetlands,” Kelley said.
The Sussex Conservation District is encouraging residents to apply. The district urges community members to reach out with details about their projects and explain how they want their conservation efforts improved. The district will then conduct a site visit to determine eligibility.
Once eligibility is verified, applicants must submit a proposal with construction estimates for approval by the district board.
“To get started, the first thing someone should do is visit our website. We have an interest form, a brochure, and a fact sheet online that helps explain more about the program, including requirements and restrictions,” Kelley said. “You can also get a better idea of the different types of practices that can be applied to your land.”
Once a project is completed, the program requires the site to be maintained for five years and inspected annually.
All Sussex County landowners and HOAs are eligible to participate. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as funding allows. To apply, visit here.
