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Grants

Recycling Efficiency Incentive Grants

(s. 287.235, Wis. Stats. and ch. NR 549, Wis. Admin. Code.)

Financial assistance is available to Responsible Units that have demonstrated recycling program efficiency. A Responsible Unit's recycling program must be designated "effective" (as defined in s. NR 544.04, Wis. Admin. Code) by the DNR.

Applicants that have undertaken any of the following efficiency measures may receive funding (see below for the dates within which the efficiency must have occurred):

  • Consolidation (per ch. 66 Wis Stats.): a merger of at least two responsible units into a single responsible unit. Responsible Unit (as defined in s. 287.09 Wis Stats).
  • Entering into at least one cooperative agreement with at least one other Responsible Unit where one or more of the following efficiencies have been achieved:
    • Collection and transportation of recyclables
    • Sorting of recyclables at a materials recovery facility
    • Comprehensive program planning
    • Educational efforts about recycling

Important: If you're applying for both a Recycling Grant to Responsible Units (also called the "basic grant") and an REI grant, you may need to submit an updated authorized resolution if your current one on file with the DNR Central Office does not mention chs. NR 542, NR 544, and NR 549. See a sample. The authorizing resolution designates a representative to submit bothe applications and handle all grant actions.

All eligible Responsible Units will receive a per capita portion of available funds. The grant award cannot exceed the difference between the Responsible Unit's net eligible recycling costs incurred two years previously and the amount of the current Responsible Unit grant award.

For a comprehensive list of eligible costs covered by this program, please refer to Eligible/Ineligible Costs for Recycling Grants to Responsible Units

Grant Funding in 2009

Economic Impacts to 2009 Recycling Efficiency Incentive Grants

After careful consideration of its options to address a budget shortfall due to economic downturns at the national level, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined it will not be able to make Recycling Efficiency Incentive (REI) grant awards for calendar year 2009. Instead the $1.9 million will be used to pay down the department’s $13.2 million obligation to the state’s deficit reduction efforts. As is the case with other state agencies, this action taken by the DNR will help state government get through the current economic downturn.

“Ordinarily, local governments would have formally consolidated or entered into cooperative agreements with neighboring communities between October 1, 2007, and April 30, 2008, to qualify for an REI grant in 2009,” said Sandy Chancellor, Recycling Grant Manager. “Even though no REI grants will be awarded for 2009, those cooperative agreements are not wasted efforts. Because of these special circumstances, cooperative agreements and efficiency projects entered into from October 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008, will be eligible for a REI grant in 2010. It is our hope that the REI grant program will be funded in full for the 2010 grant year.”

Under normal circumstances, applications postmarked no later than October 30, 2008, would be considered for REI grant funding in calendar year 2009. Grant checks would have been disbursed in June 2009. The department will return the few 2009 REI grant applications already received.

The DNR expects that local governments planning to apply for 2009 REI grant funding will be disappointed by this news. That is why we want to get the word out now about this decision … so they don’t spend more time preparing an REI grant application for 2009.

Since 2003, the REI grant program has provided $1.9 million each year to eligible local governments. To be eligible for an REI grant, local governments with effective recycling programs must either formally consolidate or enter into a cooperative agreement with at least one neighboring community to: collect and transport recyclables; sort recyclables at a materials recovery facility; develop comprehensive program planning; or plan and implement recycling education programs. All eligible applicants share the $1.9 million available on a per-capita basis.

“I want to thank local governments for their understanding and cooperation. It’s imperative the state address this revenue-generation shortfall. I can assure local governments that the Basic Recycling grant program – on which so many communities depend -- will not be affected or reduced this year,” said DNR Deputy Secretary Pat Henderson. “The DNR has the full $31 million available to make Basic Recycling grant awards in 2009 to the 1,000+ local governments who annually apply. I encourage local governments to postmark their Basic Recycling applications no later than October 1 to be eligible for full funding.”

For additional information, contact Sandy Chancellor, Recycling Grant Manager, at 608-264-9207 or Sandra.Chancellor@wisconsin.gov.

Grant Funding in 2010 and Beyond

The effective written agreement or consolidation must have occurred and the claimed efficiency must have been in place between October 31 of the previous calendar year and April 30 in the same calendar year in which the application is due. Applications must be postmarked no later than October 30.

Caution to Project Sponsors - Protect Confidential Data

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) takes seriously its responsibility to protect all confidential data that are collected as the DNR administers its programs. For DNR grant programs, “confidential data” typically includes:

  • Personal -- Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, signature
  • Financial -- Bank account numbers on cancelled checks and statements. Credit card numbers on submitted receipts. Account and credit balances or limits. Federal or Wisconsin tax returns.

    • If a grant is being issued to an individual, we need most of the personal data listed above before we can issue payments or reimbursements. This needed data comes to the DNR on completed W-9 forms. The DNR has a process to restrict access to and secure W-9 forms.

    The DNR, however is often sent unnecessary confidential data that are attached to proofs of payment, receipts, or other documents in support of a reimbursement request. Please protect confidential data by blackening out – also called “redacting” – bank account numbers, credit card account numbers, and other confidential data before proofs of payment are sent to the DNR. Please do not redact check numbers from bank statements.

    With each of us doing our part, we can protect confidential data and minimize identity theft.

    Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

    Application Information

    Additional Information

    Contact:

    Sandy Chancellor, Recycling Grant Manager
    Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
    Bureau of Community Financial Assistance
    101 S. Webster St., PO Box 7921
    Madison WI 53707-7921
    (608) 264-9207
    Sandra.Chancellor@wisconsin.gov

    Last Revised: Monday August 25 2008