California American Water Funds 2010 Environmental Grant Program in Monterey

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- California American Water announced today it is accepting applications for its 2010 Environmental Grant Program.

The company will award several grants for a combined total of $10,000 to innovative community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and drinking water supplies within the state.  

A wide variety of conservation projects are eligible for funding, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts.

"We all share in the tremendous benefits California's diverse watersheds provide and, just as much, the responsibility to maintain them," said Rob MacLean, president of California American Water. "That is why we are encouraging municipalities, schools, environmental organizations and civic groups to apply for a grant to support projects that will benefit their local water ecosystem."

To qualify, a proposed project must be:

• Located within California American Water's service area;
• Completed between May 1, 2010 and November 30, 2010; and
• A new or innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program.

"Our local water supply depends on the sensitive environment of the Carmel River Watershed," said Manager of External Affairs, Catherine Bowie. "Efforts to help the river and its habitat are important to our operations and the community at large."

California American Water's Central Division covers the cities of Carmel, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, Seaside and Sand City. Unincorporated areas of Carmel, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach, parts of the Highway 68 corridor and the community of Chualar in southern Monterey County are also included in the company's service territory.

Projects will be judged based on criteria that include clarity of project goals and projected impact, strength of collaboration with other community and/or municipal organizations and evidence that the project will provide sustainable environmental results after California American Water's funding ends.

In 2009, the program supported the WiLDCOAST foundation for their cleanup and restoration projects targeting the Tijuana and Otay River watersheds in the San Diego area. Both rivers are vital to the San Diego community and both were the common target of illegal dumping and pollution.

California American Water also awarded a $2,500 grant for the construction of streambed table exhibit at the Explorit Science Center in Davis. The exhibit is designed to teach participants about water flow, soil deposition and erosion, slope changes and demonstrate how dams work.  Grant information and application forms can be found online at californiaamwater.com.

Applications must be postmarked by March 22, 2010, and mailed to:

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE California American Water

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