The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program to help land users address existing erosion and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds.  The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and filter non-point source water pollution.  Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable costs, up to $7,500, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location.

Urban Cost Share Approved Watersheds:
Briar Creek
Irwin Creek
Upper and Lower Little Sugar Creek
McAlpine
McMullen Creek


Urban Cost Share Program Information:
Interested parties may contact the District to discuss current issue and application process.  District staff will review property maps and schedule a site assessment when appropriate.  All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality.  Qualified applications are funded in order of rank as funds allow.  Approved applicants will receive a BMP design and installation guidance.  Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board approval.  Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement.  Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years.  Additional restrictions may apply.

If you have a resource concern and you are learning more about the Urban Cost Share Program, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik, the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District Manager.  Leslie can be reached at 704-336-2455 or Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov 

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 of exotic invasive plants.  For this program, the affected area has to be on a stream.

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.