NOTICE:
As of Friday, March 13, 2009, the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has been required to suspend the Urban Cost Share Program until further notice.  This action comes as a result of state budget cuts and reallocation of funding by the North Carolina Legislature due to the difficult economic period.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik, the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District Manager.  She can be contacted at 704 336-2455 or email at Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program to help land users protect water quality in approved watersheds.  The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff and non-point source water pollution.  Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of the average cost, up to $3,000, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location.

Urban Cost Share Approved Watersheds:
Briar Creek
Irwin Creek
Little Sugar Creek
McAlpine/ McMullen Creek

Urban Cost Share Program Information:
For 2009, applications will be reviewed in January, March, May, July and September.  Application Deadlines are: January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, and September 1, 2009.

District staff will visit the site and discuss water quality issues with applicants.  

Applications will be reviewed for approval at a board meeting in: January, March, May, July and September 2009.

Approved applicants may begin implementation of practices upon receipt of board signed contract and conservation plan.  Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

We will reimburse participants 75% of the average cost, up to $3,000, associated with installing approved best management practices.  Practices must be installed per contract specifications.  Upon inspection of properly implemented practice, participants are eligible to submit a request for reimbursement.  Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years.   

Apply Now to the UCSP!!!
Mail, Fax, or E-mail us your application! 

Best Management Practices Offered:

Critical Area Planting: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.

Grassed Waterway (Swale):  A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff.  

Invasive Plant Removal:  The process of eradication exotic invasive plants.  For this program, the effected area has to be on a steam.

Nutrient Management:  Managing the amount, source, placement, form and timing of the application of nutrients and soil amendments.

Pet Waste Receptacles:  Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas.

Cistern:  Above or below-ground storage tanks for rainwater harvesting systems used to store collected rainwater.  Fill out your monthly cistern reporting form!!!

Rain Garden:  A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff.

Riparian Buffers:  An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water courses or water bodies.

Tree/shrub Establishment:  Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings, potted, or burlap specimens.