The City of Johnston has an established Stormwater Homeowner Grant Program! This program allows Johnston homeowners to incorporate stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their property to aid in the improvement of water quality and decrease the water quantity entering our streams, ponds, and storm sewers. The program is intended to help cover the cost of materials and/or contractor labor to install such practices.
The City of Johnston will provide up to a 50 percent match on BMPs constructed, with a maximum reimbursement amount of $750. Rain barrels will be funded at a maximum of $75, limit of one per address. The funding may be utilized for multiple practices. Applicants may utilize this program in multiple fiscal years for various BMP projects, with the exception of rain barrels, which are available one-time only. Funding is available to applicants on a first come basis and is subject to the approval of the Community Development Department staff and the director.
Some BMPs include rain gardens/bioretention cells, rain barrels, pervious pavement systems, soil quality restoration, and native planting gardens/buffers/swales. There are many benefits to native plants. They love Iowa weather and can survive in any type of weather conditions. Their deep root systems provide water in the summer and help make loose, rich soil that soaks up rain like a sponge. These plants also add much needed habitat and food for butterflies, insects, and birds.
Applications are now being accepted for BMP practices! Work must be completed by May 31, 2018 or within six months of approval. For more information, please contact Clayton Ender at cender@cityofjohnston.com or 515-727-7763.