HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.06.11 - 42982
AGENDA ITEM: Grant Acceptance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the RainSmart
Rebates Program
DEPARTMENT: Water Resources Commissioner
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, June 11, 2026 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2026-6561
Motion to accept the $745,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorize
the Chair to execute all necessary documents to accept and implement this funding; further,
acceptance of this grant does not obligate the County to any future commitment and continuation of
this program is contingent upon continued future levels of grant funding; further, amend the FY
2026-2028 budgets as detailed in the attached Schedule A-Budget Amendment.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Grant Yolanda Smith Charles
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
With a $745,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the highly regarded
RainSmart Rebates program will expand beyond its initial service area within the George W. Kuhn
Drain Drainage District to include 24 municipalities across southeastern Oakland County (see
attached map). This grant requires no local matching funds and provides support to key partner
organizations, including the Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Rouge, and the Center
for Watershed Protection. The latter, a national nonprofit headquartered in Maryland, is dedicated to
advancing clean water and healthy ecosystems.
POLICY ANALYSIS
This is a request to accept the $745,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to fund the expansion of Oakland County’s RainSmart Rebates Program. Accepting this
$745,000 EPA grant provides Oakland County with a financial opportunity to scale up its
environmental efforts, as the funding requires no local matching dollars. By expanding the
RainSmart Rebates program across 24 southeastern municipalities in Oakland County, the county
can directly empower homeowners with up to $2,000 in incentives to plant trees, install rain barrels,
and build rain gardens.
However, because the green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and barrels, is on private
residential properties, achieving the runoff target depends on voluntary public participation and the
effectiveness of local outreach to motivate homeowners.
FISCAL IMPACT: Budget Amendment Attached
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Stephanie Petriello
Sara Rubino, Drainage District Legal Counsel
Jay Blenkhorn
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 6/11/2026
AGENDA DEADLINE: 05/28/2026 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. WRC - USEPA Grant Rainsmart Rebates for Green Infrastructure - Schedule A
2. Grant Review Sign-Off memo
3. 2026-06-03 Memo Re RainSmart Rebates Program
4. Map of Expanded RainSmart Rebate Area
5. Oakland County_RainSmart Rebates Workplan_02272026
6. US EPA Notice of Award
7. Grantor Email Confirming Oakland County Has No Match Requirement
8. RainSmart Rebate Program PowerPoint
9. Grant sign off - Application
10. Exception Memo - Application
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2026-06-03 Economic Development & Infrastructure - Forward to Finance
2026-06-03 Finance - Recommend to Board
2026-06-11 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Seconded by: Commissioner Robert Hoffman
Yes: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Michael Gingell, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman,
Brendan Johnson, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III,
Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Robert Smiley, Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie
Taylor, Philip Weipert, David Woodward (19)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
Oakland County, Michigan
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION - UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GRANT FOR RAINSMART REBATES PROMOTING RESIDENTIAL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Schedule "A" DETAIL
R/E Fund Name Division Name
Fund #
(FND)
Cost Center
(CCN) #
Account #
(RC/SC)
Program #
(PRG)Grant ID (GRN) #
Project ID #
(PROJ)
Region
(REG)
Budget
Fund
Affiliate
(BFA)
Ledger
Account
Summary Account Title
FY 2026
Amendment
FY 2027
Amendment
FY 2028
Amendment
R General Fund - Grants Water Resources Commission FND10101 CCN6010101 RC610313 PRG174450 GRN-1004865 610000 Federal Operating Grants $386,557 $328,443 $30,000
Total Revenue $386,557 $328,443 $30,000
E General Fund - Grants Water Resources Commission FND10101 CCN6010101 SC730373 PRG174450 GRN-1004865 730000 Contracted Service $386,557 $328,443 $30,000
Total Expenditures $386,557 $328,443 $30,000
WHEREAS a FY2026 - FY2028 Budget Amendment for the Water Resources Commission to recognize the United States Environmental Protection Agency Grant for $745,000 in rainsmart rebates to promote residential green infrastructure .
GRANT REVIEW SIGN-OFF – Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
GRANT NAME: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, RainSmart Rebates AWD00812
FUNDING AGENCY: United States Environmental Protection Agency
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Stephanie Petriello (947)500-7006
STATUS: Grant Acceptance (Greater than $10,000)
DATE: 05/20/2026
Please be advised the captioned grant materials have completed internal grant review. Below are the returned comments.
The Board of Commissioners’ liaison committee resolution and grant acceptance package (which should include this sign-
off and the grant agreement/contract with related documentation) should be placed on the next agenda(s) of the
appropriate Board of Commissioners’ committee(s) for grant acceptance by Board resolution.
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Form DC–001
OAKLAND COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER
Page 1 of 1 Rev.: 02/12/2018
OAKLAND COUNTY
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER MEMORANDUM
TO: Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, Chairperson of the
Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
FROM: Stephanie Petriello, Environmental Planner
SUBJECT: Federal Grant Award – RainSmart Rebates Program
DATE: June 3, 2026
With a $745,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the highly regarded
RainSmart Rebates program will expand beyond its initial service area within the George W. Kuhn
Drain Drainage District to include 24 municipalities across southeastern Oakland County (see
attached map).
The expanded program will continue to promote green stormwater infrastructure practices aimed at
reducing stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution. Through financial incentives, residents will
be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as tree planting, rain barrel installation, and the
creation of rain gardens on private residential properties.
Over the life of the grant, the program is expected to capture approximately 2.5 million gallons of
stormwater runoff. This will significantly improve regional water quality by reducing pollutant loads
entering local waterways. Primary beneficiaries include residents within the Clinton and Rouge River
watersheds.
This grant requires no local matching funds from Oakland County and provides support to key partner
organizations, including the Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Rouge, and the Center
for Watershed Protection. The latter, a national nonprofit headquartered in Maryland, is dedicated to
advancing clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Requested Action: Adopt the $745,000 grant agreement from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and authorize the Chairperson to execute all necessary documents to
accept and implement this funding.
Presenters: Stephanie Petriello petriellos@oakgov.com 947-500-7006
Sara Rubino rubinos@oakgov.com 248-410-9968
Jay Blenkhorn blenkhornj@oakgov.com 947-232-5119
12/17/2025 version1
GLRI Workplan
February 10, 2026
1. Project Title: RainSmart Rebates: Promoting Residential Green Infrastructure with Rebates
2. Project Funding Request: Federal Request $745,000 Applicant contribution $0
3. Bundling of Projects: N/A
4. Recipient Information and Project Manager
• Organization Name: Oakland County
• Organization Address: 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341
Project Manager:
• Contact Name: Stephanie Petriello
• Address: One Public Works Drive, Building 95W, Waterford, MI 48328
• Phone: 947-500-7006
• Fax: N/A
• E-mail: petriellos@oakgov.com
5. Project Location(s):
HUC 8 HUC 12 Congressional
District
Municipality
(Oakland County, MI) Primary? Central
Lat/Long
Ro
u
g
e
R
i
v
e
r
04090004
040900040403 11
12
City of Birmingham
City of Rochester Hills
City of Southfield
City of Troy
Village of Beverly Hills
No 42.557 / -83.218
040900040404 11
12
City of Farmington Hills
City of Southfield No 42.487 / -83.321
040900040405 12 Lathrup Village
Southfield Township No 42.475 / -83.229
Cl
i
n
t
o
n
R
i
v
e
r
04090003 040900030202 11
12
City of Birmingham
City of Clawson
City of Ferndale
City of Huntington Woods
City of Madison Heights
City of Oak Park
City of Pleasant Ridge
City of Royal Oak
City of Southfield
City of Troy
Royal Oak Township
Yes 42.514 / -83.172
040900030203 11 No 42.580 / -83.139
1
Please see Attachment A (Project Location Map) for a more comprehensive view of the extent of the
project area.
6. Project Duration 1: March 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028
7. Project Description:
Oakland County will expand the RainSmart Rebates program for implementing green stormwater
infrastructure (GSI) practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution and stormwater runoff. Activities
include providing incentives for implementing sustainable stormwater practices for tree planting, rain
barrel installation, and creating rain gardens on private properties. The anticipated deliverables include
the implementation of over 1,500 stormwater projects on private land. The outcome will capture
approximately 2.5 million gallons of runoff, significantly improving local water quality by
reducing nonpoint source pollution. The intended beneficiaries are those who live, recreate, or work in
the Clinton and Rouge River watersheds. As part of the program, subrecipients will conduct 1-on-1 site
assessments for each homeowner accepted into the program and provide guided support on GSI design,
installation, and maintenance.
8. Problem Statement:
Nonpoint source pollution significantly affects the Great Lakes by delivering excess nutrients, sediment,
bacteria, and chemicals into local waterways. In southeast Michigan, the leading source of nonpoint
source pollution is urban runoff, which can contain fertilizers, nutrients, oil, grease, pet waste, road salt,
chemicals, etc. Stormwater that contains urban runoff can have detrimental impacts on the water quality
on local and downstream waterways which ultimately effects aquatic ecosystems. In addition to the
effects of nonpoint source pollution on open waterways, much of southeast Michigan still struggles with
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) during wet weather events that stem from a lack of capacity in
combined sanitary and storm sewer systems. Although partially treated to address E.coli concerns, the
majority of nonpoint source pollutants are not treated similar to stormwater discharges.
Widespread implementation of GSI to manage stormwater runoff that would otherwise enter the
combined sewer system or local surface waterbody has been identified as an important measure for
supporting ongoing efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Investment in GSI also provides
multiple co-benefits, such as placemaking, increasing access to greenspace, restoring pollinator habitat,
mitigating flood risk, and advancing public education related to these issues.
RainSmart Rebates produces clear water quality-based outcomes through the retention and infiltration of
stormwater. It meets the goals of local watershed management plans by focusing on urbanized areas,
promoting the use and knowledge of GSI, and highlighting watershed resilience. As development
continues to spread across the region, it’s important to build a foundation for localized water
management. The reliance on local municipalities and public land to manage stormwater can only
achieve a portion of what is necessary for large storm events. RainSmart Rebates directly targets the
largest land use (single family residential) in municipalities that were developed prior to stormwater
management practices being required (such as detention). By operating in a similar manner to
agricultural conservation practices, RainSmart Rebates offers incentive payments to homeowners who
make the effort to detain and infiltrate stormwater on their properties.
1 When bundling grants, the proposed duration must align with the overall budget and periods required for completion. For
example, January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028.
2
This project is located within the Lake Erie watershed and advances the Lake Erie Lakewide Action
Management Plan (LAMP) through actions aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. These actions
specifically call for encouraging investments in green infrastructure. From the most recent Lake Erie
(2019-2023) LAMP, this project will directly address seven actions:
31 – Watershed Resilience
• Reduce inland vulnerability to extreme weather events by promoting wetland protections in
flood-prone areas and expanding green infrastructure and urban forests to slow storm runoff.
32 – Critical Community Infrastructure
• Plan and implement Low Impact Development initiatives that are suited to future extreme
weather events via watershed work that increases green space and green infrastructure
33 – Engagement and Education
• Encourage municipalities and landowners to implement flood mitigation actions to reduce
peak flows to high-risk streams.
• Undertake community-based stewardship and education activities.
9. Proposed Work:
RainSmart Rebates started as a two-year (2024-2025) residential pilot program geared towards
homeowners in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District, located in the southeast corner of Oakland
County, that offers homeowners up to $2,000 for implementing sustainable stormwater practices such as
tree planting, rain barrel installation, or creating a rain garden on their properties. The program promotes
the adoption of GSI practices on residential property through a combination of financial incentives,
community engagement, and collaboration. The pilot was widely successful with over 650 projects
installed and an estimated annual (March – November) capture of over 1,400,000 gallons of stormwater.
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WRC), partnered with two non-profit
watershed councils, will continue the program and expand its boundaries for two additional years while
a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism is developed.
RainSmart Rebates, administered by WRC, empowers residents to take proactive steps towards
capturing stormwater before it reaches a storm or combined sewer system. The pilot years highlighted
RainSmart Rebates’ ability to be an effective public awareness campaign. WRC has received numerous
testimonials from homeowners who completed the program and were so pleased with their experience
that they then told several neighbors and friends about the benefits of GSI (see Attachment B). Given the
level of interest and success of the program, WRC will extend the program boundaries to include the
entire jurisdiction of several municipalities that are only partially included in the pilot area and fall
within the Clinton River and Rouge River watersheds, both Great Lakes Areas of Concern.
To be a part of the program, interested homeowners must first fill out an online application with their
name, contact information, and address. After an application is submitted, WRC staff determine
eligibility based on current program boundaries and homeownership. If a homeowner is accepted into
the program, they will receive an acceptance email with a link to schedule a mandatory site assessment.
The 1-on-1 site assessment is conducted with the homeowner and a representative from their local non-
profit watershed council, the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) or Friends of the Rouge
(FOTR). The site assessment is conducted to discuss project options and ensure project viability. This is
also a time for the homeowner to ask property and project specific questions related to installation,
maintenance, etc. Following the site assessment, the homeowner will receive a report with photos and
information discussed during their assessment along with a list of approved projects that they may
3
pursue as part of the program. The homeowner is then responsible for the installation of their chosen
GSI project(s). Homeowners who choose to install a rain garden must submit their design to WRC staff
for approval prior to installation. This requirement ensures that the constructed rain garden is properly
sized to handle the impervious surface runoff with the site-specific infiltration rate so that all parties can
feel comfortable that the rain garden will function as intended. When installation is complete,
participants submit a rebate request (online form) that includes documentation of installation, receipts,
and adherence to long-term maintenance requirements via a Property Owner Agreement. The Property
Owner Agreement states the homeowner agrees to maintain their project(s) for a minimum of five years.
As part of the program, RainSmart Rebates reserves a portion of its yearly rebate budget to help
homeowners who cannot financially or physically install their project in the form of a grant. These
limited grants are open to any eligible participant who self-identifies their need for assistance on their
application. If awarded a grant, the program, through a partnership with the local watershed councils,
will purchase and install the eligible stormwater projects for the homeowner. The homeowner is still
required to sign the Property Owner Agreement that states they will maintain their project(s) for at least
5 years.
All information, from application to installation, is housed within a central GIS database that was
developed by the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) as part of the pilot program. This data is site
specific to each homeowner and references the projects they discussed during their site assessment and
whether or not they installed any/all projects. A portion of this data (projects installed, rebates
distributed, general location) is also linked and shared to a public web map. As part of this project, CWP
will expand the existing GIS tracking system to include the new, larger service area and alter the internal
data management mechanisms to create a more efficient program.
Based on the outcomes of a two-year pilot program (2024-2025), it is estimated that two additional years
with this grant will result in over 1,000 individual homeowner site assessments conducted by CRWC
and FOTR, the installation of over 1,500 projects, and the capture of an estimated 2,500,000 gallons of
stormwater runoff.
Key Program Actions and Responsible Parties:
• Program Administration and Oversight:
o WRC
• GIS Tracking System Expansion:
o Center for Watershed Protection (CWP)
• Site Assessments:
o Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC)
o Friends of the Rouge (FOTR)
• Project Installations:
o Homeowners
• Grant Installations:
o Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC)
o Friends of the Rouge (FOTR)
• Maintenance:
o Homeowners; Property Owner Agreement (POA) required by WRC
4
Name of
Subrecipients
Summary of
Subrecipient’s Unique
Capability to Perform
Description of activities Outputs/Deliverables
1. Center for
Watershed
Protection
(CWP)
Built existing system
and has extensive
knowledge of the
program.
•
GIS tracking system
o Expand data collection
area to include the new
program area
o Incorporate email
automation to improve
efficiency
• Incorporate spreadsheet-based
•
system updated to
accommodate for
project expansion
and improve
efficiency
2. Clinton River
Watershed
Council
(CRWC)
Only organization
within the Clinton River
Watershed that can
perform all requested
activities
•
site assessments within the
Clinton River watershed;
• Install grant projects within the
Clinton River watershed;
• Support program initiatives as
•
assessments;
• ~45 grant
installations
3. Friends of the
Rouge (FOTR)
Only organization
within the Rouge River
Watershed that can
perform all requested
activities
•
site assessments within the
Rouge River watershed;
• Install grant projects within the
Rouge River watershed;
• Support program initiatives as
•
assessments;
• ~35 grant
installations
All subrecipients are non-profit organizations that were selected via a non-competitive award process as
they are the only organizations that can fulfill the specific requests that WRC sought for this program.
CWP built the existing GIS tracking system and has extensive knowledge of the program. The bulk of
CWP’s subaward will be geared toward improving the efficiency of the program. Currently, all email
communication, program deadlines, rebate tracking and distribution, etc. are managed separately via
spreadsheets. CWP will build this tracking and functionality into the GIS database system. No additional
datapoints are being collected, the data management is simply being reorganized into a more functional
system. CRWC was also part of the RainSmart Rebates pilot program, so this subaward will be an
extension of their existing contract.
10. Quality Documentation Requirements
EPA has reviewed the workplan and determined a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is required
for the calculation of stormwater runoff reduction. Stormwater reduction does not utilize EPA's
Stormwater Calculator, as the workplan states it would be impractical to use for 1500 sites receiving
5
stormwater infrastructure. A calculation for Stormwater reduction is provided: volume of the rain garden
is divided by the impervious drainage area to determine the maximum rainfall depth the rain garden can
manage. Multiple calculation examples are shown. A QAPP is required because the workplan includes
an explanation for stormwater reduction calculations, a QAPP may take the form of the workplan with a
Title Page and Signature Page added.
Oakland County will submit the required QAPP to EPA through the Quality Documentation Submission
Site for approval 90 days after award. The environmental information operation (EIO) activities will not
start until EPA has approved the QAPP.
This project utilizes local precipitation data, homeowner installation submittals, and site assessment
evaluations to estimate and report the annual stormwater capture (gallons) metric. This project has the
potential to install over 1,500 new residential green infrastructure stormwater projects (rain barrels, rain
gardens, and trees).
The total annual stormwater runoff collected by RainSmart Rebates rain gardens and rain barrels is
calculated based on the volume of each project and the impervious area that discharges to it. Each
homeowner who chooses to construct a rain garden is required to submit a design for WRC approval
that indicates the rain garden, depth, infiltration rate, and impervious drainage area (see Attachment D
for the required template). When their project is complete, a homeowner submits a RainSmart Rebates
Reimbursement Request Form that confirms the size and depth of their garden and/or volume of their
rain barrel.
To calculate the stormwater capture of each individual rain garden project, the volume of the rain garden
is divided by the impervious drainage area to determine the maximum rainfall depth the rain garden can
manage. For example, a rain garden with a volume of 20 cubic feet and an impervious drainage area of
200 square feet has the capacity for a 1.20-inch rain event. Similarly, a rain barrel with a capacity of 55
gallons and an impervious drainage area of 150 square feet has the capacity for a 0.59-inch rain event.
Rain Garden Example: Rain Barrel Example:
Ten years of daily rainfall data from a local wastewater treatment plant in Pontiac was used to estimate
the average annual rainfall captured by each rain garden or rain barrel project based on their individual
capacity. The rainfall data provided the daily rainfall amount in inches from 2013 to 2022. It should be
noted that WRC excluded all rainfall data in December, January, and February as it is assumed the
ground is frozen and there is no infiltration taking place or rain barrels have been stored for the winter.
The daily rainfall amounts were totaled and divided by 10 (years) to estimate the average annual rainfall
amount. The daily rainfall amounts were used to determine the maximum annual rainfall that each
project could manage. Using the example above of a 1.20-inch rain event, every daily rain total under
1.20 inches was counted and every rain event over 1.20 inches was capped at 1.20 inches. So, if it rained
3 inches in one day, only 1.20 inches was counted as the rest is assumed to overflow the rain garden. For
6
this example, the estimated average annual rainfall with a daily maximum of 1.20 inches is 25.65 inches.
The estimated average annual rainfall (25.65 inches) was multiplied by the impervious drainage area of
the rain garden (200 square feet) to estimate the total annual runoff collected by the rain garden (3,198
gallons).
Rain Garden Example:
Similarly, the 55-gallon rain barrel that has the capacity for a 0.59-inch rain event will be able to manage
roughly 21.11 inches of rain every year. All daily rainfall amounts less than 0.59 inches were included in
this sum along with up to 0.59 inches for daily rainfall amounts over 0.59 inches. Therefore, the
estimated average annual rainfall amount was multiplied by the impervious drainage area discharging to
the rain barrel to calculate the total annual runoff collected by the rain barrel (1,974 gallons).
Rain Barrel Example:
This process was conducted for each installed rain garden and rain barrel using a spreadsheet in Excel to
determine the annual stormwater capture for RainSmart Rebates projects.
11. Project Results & Measuring Progress:
Prior to the start of the RainSmart Rebates pilot program, WRC and the Center for Watershed Protection
developed and built a robust GIS tracking system that monitors and stores all project information within
one application. At any given time, WRC can view the number of applications received, site assessments
conducted, and projects installed. At the end of each program year, the number of gallons of stormwater
captured annually from installed projects is calculated using local rainfall data and project installation
data within the tracking system.
7
Implement green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects on private properties
to reduce nonpoint source pollution and stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
The primary benefit of this project is the reduction of stormwater runoff from entering waterways
and/or combined sewer systems.
Environmental Outcomes:
- Reduced peak stormwater flow during intense rainfall events
- Reduced vulnerability to flooding conditions within the local residential area
- Protection of downstream water quality
- Increased environmental awareness and stewardship
- Reduced phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment loads to the watershed
Tasks Responsible Party Outputs
QAPP Development WRC Quality Assurance Project Plan (if necessary)
GIS Tracking System
Improvements CWP
Improved data management efficiency
within the existing GIS tracking system
Program oversight WRC
Contracting, subrecipient coordination,
homeowner communication, homeowner
rebate payments and installation verification
Homeowner engagement WRC Number of applications received
CRWC and FOTR Number of site assessments conducted
Implementation of GSI practices Homeowners Number of projects installed
CRWC and FOTR Number of projects installed
Installation verification WRC Amount ($) of rebates issued
Total stormwater captured (gal) annually
12. Stakeholder/Public Communication; Conferences or public meetings:
N/A; WRC does not plan to have any organized conferences, workshops, or public meetings about this
specific project. Community engagement for the pilot program was conducted primarily through social
media posts and word of mouth with a very high success rate. WRC plans to spread information
regarding the expansion on their website and through regional municipal partners. The Project Officer
will be notified if there is a change to the scope and a public meeting will be hosted.
13. International Activities: N/A
8
14. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 deliverables 2:
All RainSmart Rebates projects will take place in developed areas with all activities occurring on
private, single-family residential properties within subdivisions and no structures will be impacted. It is
unlikely that project activities will have any negative impact on historical, cultural, or archaeologically
significant properties. The projects supported by RainSmart Rebates are limited to the installation of rain
barrels, rain gardens, and trees. Rain barrels do not require any ground disturbance while trees (5-8 feet
tall) and rain gardens require minimal ground disturbance. The residential rain gardens that are built
through this program have an average depth of 6 inches and are, on average, around 120 square feet (see
Attachment C).
Any homeowner that applies to the program within a historical preservation area will be flagged for
further investigation. If it is deemed necessary, WRC will submit an application to the SHPO for
compliance with Section 106 for any site in questionable areas.
15. EPA Pillar(s)/GLRI Action Plan:
Within EPA’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative, this project relates to the first pillar
“Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American.” All RainSmart Rebates green stormwater
installations will improve surface water quality by slowing down and filtering urban drainage water
before entering waterways and/or sewers. Within the GLRI Action Plan IV, the RainSmart Rebates
project addresses several measurements of progress (MOP) in the Nonpoint Source Pollution Focus
Area as detailed below:
GLRI Action Plan IV:
• Focus Area: Nonpoint Source Pollution
o Objective 3.2: Reduce or prevent stormwater runoff
MOP 3.2.1 Estimated gallons (in millions) of stormwater runoff reduced.
RainSmart Rebates directly contributes to the above goals and objectives through the implementation of
multiple green stormwater infrastructure installations located in watersheds (Clinton and Rouge) with
longstanding water quality impairments due in part to historic stormwater management issues commonly
associated with waterways in urban and industrial areas. Estimated results are provided in the table
below:
2 NHPA Section 106 grant deliverables are documentation and actions showing you've identified historic properties, assessed
project impacts (adverse or not), and resolved any negative effects, including survey reports, maps, photos, letters for
SHPOs/THPOs, finding-of-effect reports, and Mitigation plans.
9
Applicable Measure of Progress – GLRI
Action Plan
3.2.1 - Estimated gallons (in millions) of
stormwater runoff reduced.
RainSmart Rebates: Promoting Residential
Green Infrastructure with Rebates 2,500,000 million gallons of stormwater capture annually
TOTAL PRIMARY MOP
REPORTING STATUS 2,500,000 million gallons of stormwater capture annually
16. Collaboration and Engagement in Project Development and Related Overarching Plans:
In 2023, WRC assembled a scoping committee to aid in the development and framework of the creation
of RainSmart Rebates. All fourteen municipalities within the GWK District were invited to join the
committee. The scoping committee consisted of representatives from WRC, CRWC, CWP, the City of
Birmingham, the City of Oak Park, the City of Royal Oak, the City of Southfield, and the Southeast
Michigan Council of Governments. Over the course of one year, this committee provided valuable input
on branding, community engagement, and program criteria. WRC’s partnership with local organizations
and stakeholders has been an integral part of the program’s success. The first year of this program was
dedicated to the planning and building of the program. To promote the program, WRC created a robust
website that provides several videos, installation guides, example rain garden designs, lists of native
plants and native plant suppliers, etc. WRC also attended and presented at several community events
over the course of the pilot program.
WRC’s Marketing and Communications Department created a marketing toolkit that was shared with all
GWK communities to use at their own discretion on social media platforms, through written newsletters,
etc. to help promote the program. Over the course of two years, RainSmart Rebates received over 950
applications from across the district to participate in the program and close to 200 email requests from
residents outside of the pilot boundary to expand the program into their community. The public has
wholeheartedly embraced this program as evidenced through their participation in the program and
testimonials about their experience (see Attachment B). The expansion of this program will cover the
entirety of local municipalities in Oakland County, Michigan (see Attachment A).
As discussed in Section 8, RainSmart Rebates directly addresses seven actions with the Lake Erie
LAMP. Additionally, RainSmart Rebates addresses the goals and objectives of several other regional
plans such as:
• Local watershed management plans
o Clinton River
o Rouge River
• Green Infrastructure Vision for Southeast Michigan
• Water Resources Strategy for Southeast Michigan
• Southeast Michigan GREEN Initiative
10
17. Project Milestones:
Start Date End Date Key Activities Responsible Party
18. Cooperative Agreement: N/A
19. Pre-Award Costs 3:
Oakland County requests the approval of pre-award costs for this agreement starting on March 1, 2026.
The project requires three subaward recipients to being work on time in order to fulfill the goals of the
program. It is estimated the project will need $55,000 in pre-award costs to conduct the following
activities:
• Subaward personnel costs to begin GIS tracking system modification by CWP.
o Certain tasks must be completed prior to the acceptance of homeowner applications on
March 8, 2026.
• Subaward personnel costs by CRWC and FOTR to hire and train technicians
o Program applications open March 8, 2026 and site assessments start shortly after that.
Both CRWC and FOTR plan to hire additional personnel to accomplish the site
assessment goals. The new hires must be trained on the program and site
assessment protocols prior to April 1, 2026.
o Office supplies and personal computing supplies and/or devices for new hires will need
to be purchased prior to the start of site assessments.
3 Pre-Award Term and condition - In accordance with 2 CFR 1500.9, the grantee may charge pre-award costs (both Federal
and non-Federal matching shares) incurred from (the start date of the SF-424), to the actual award date provided that such
costs were contained in the approved application and all costs are incurred within the approved budget period.
11
Personnel Fringe Indirect Personnel Fringe Supplies Personnel Fringe Supplies
~$7,800 ~$1,600 ~5,600 ~$13,350 ~$2,650 ~$4,000 ~$13,350 ~$2,650 ~$4,000
The tasks listed above are necessary for a successful 2026 program year. Given the time it takes
homeowners to go through the process of the program, starting in March is paramount to achieving the
goals set forth for the program.
20. Timely Fiscal Expenditures:
Grant funds will be expended commensurate to the progression of the project activities and
reimbursement invoices will be submitted monthly.
Expenditure Period Anticipated
Drawdown Date
Estimated Amount
21. Workplan Appendices and Attachments:
Attachment A: Project Location Map
Attachment B: Homeowner Testimonials
Attachment C: Project Photos
Attachment D: Rain Garden Design Template
22. GLRI Budget Narrative:
Object Class Category:
Personnel: N/A
• Explanation: WRC does not request any reimbursement for personnel. WRC staff who oversee
the program are supported by other means and would rather use this funding for implementation
efforts. One full-time Environmental Unit staff person is dedicated to this program along with
periodic assistance from additional Environmental Unit staff, Marketing and Communications
staff, and Finance staff.
Fringe Benefits: N/A
Equipment: N/A
12
Supplies: ~$5,000 (Federal Funding)
• Explanation: RainSmart Rebates rain garden signs will be purchased and distributed to
homeowners who install a rain garden through the program. The design, supplier, and cost have
already been established through the pilot program.
Contractual: N/A
Construction: N/A
Other Direct Costs: ~$740,000 (Federal Funding) + ~$27,500 (Program Income)
• Participant Support Costs: ~$270,000 (Federal Funding)
o Rebates will be distributed to homeowners who participate in the RainSmart Rebates
program. Each rebate amount will be unique to the homeowner, the project(s) they
implement, and the rebate cap for each project. A homeowner can install up to two rain
barrels, two trees, and one rain garden per property. Each property is limited to a
maximum rebate of $2,000.
• Subawards: ~$470,000 (Federal Funding) + ~$27,500 (Program Income)
o Center for Watershed Protection (CWP): ~$50,000 (Federal Funding)
CWP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to advance clean water
resources and healthy ecosystems through responsible land and water
management. CWP is a national leader in stormwater management and watershed
planning and has conducted similar work for several other organizations.
CWP created the initial GIS tracking system for the RainSmart Rebates pilot
program. They will expand the system to include the new service area (see
Attachment A) and alter internal data management mechanisms to create a more
efficient program.
Subaward Duration: March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027
CWP’s subaward will fund the following Object Class Categories:
• Personnel (~$26,040): to expand the existing system and build in more
efficient program management tools, CWP requires several staff members
to be involved in the project. Below is a list of staff positions and
estimated hours needed:
o Watershed Professional II (~296 Hr @ $39.13)
o Program Manager (~51 Hr @ $73.33)
o Watershed Professional I (~299 Hr @ $31.92)
o Water Resources Engineer II (~30 Hr @ $39.13)
• Fringe Benefits (~$5,210): provided to staff working on the project. Full-
time staff require 20%
• Indirect (~$18,750): CWP has a federally approved NICRA with a rate of
60%
13
o Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC): ~$210,000 (Federal Funding) + ~$15,000
(Program Income)
CRWC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to protecting,
enhancing, and celebrating the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.
CRWC provides residents, schools, governments, and businesses with wide-
ranging programs, events, and expertise to ensure healthy waterways for all.
Offerings range from restoration projects and habitat enhancements to cleanups
and water quality monitoring.
CRWC will be contracted to conduct individual homeowner site assessments for
residents that are accepted into the RainSmart Rebates program and reside within
the Clinton River watershed. These site assessments provide 1-on-1 attention and
allow the homeowner to receive site specific information and ask detailed
questions that relate to their property, project installation, appropriate
maintenance, and program criteria. The site assessments are critical to the success
of the program. CRWC will also install all grant projects within the Clinton River
watershed. Grants are distributed on a first come, first serve basis to applicants
who are unable to physically install the project themselves or financially unable to
wait for a reimbursement for their projects. In these instances, CRWC will
purchase the materials and install the projects after a homeowner has a site
assessment.
With the given budget, CRWC estimates that they can conduct roughly 600 site
assessments and 45 grant installations over 2.5 years.
Subaward Duration: March 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
CRWC’s subaward will fund the following Object Class Categories:
• Personnel (~$130,756.53): to accomplish ~600 site assessments and ~45
grant project installations, CRWC requires several staff members to be
involved in the project. Below is a list of staff positions and estimated
hours needed:
o Executive Director (~104 Hr @ $57.69)
o Finance Manager (~54 Hr @ $31.05)
o Development & Communications Manager (~38 Hr @ $28.61)
o Education & Stewardship Manager (~216 Hr @ $28.61)
o Stormwater Coordinator (~216 Hr @ $22.77)
o GSI Coordinator (~1640 Hr @ $22.77)
o GSI Tech A (~982 Hr @ $19.50)
o GSI Tech B (~982 Hr @ $19.50)
o GSI Tech C (~1234 Hr @ $19.50)
o GSI Tech D (~1234 Hr @ $19.50)
• Fringe Benefits (~$25,600): provided to staff working on the project. Full-
time staff require 22.7% and part-time staff require 13.1%
14
• Travel (~$8,870): mileage reimbursement will be request for travel to and
from site assessments
• Supplies (~$17,382.17): The majority of this line item includes material
purchase (rain barrels, trees, rain garden plants) for grant installation
projects. A smaller portion will be used for office supplies and personal
computing devices for new hires who are conducting site assessments in
the field.
• Indirect (~$27,391.30): CRWC requests the 15% de minimus rate
authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f)
• Program Income (~$15,000): As part of the program, each homeowner is
required to pay $25 to reserve their site assessment appointment. This
reduces the number of cancelations and no-shows and also shows
homeowner commitment to proceeding with the program. Over the span
of the project, CRWC has committed to ~600 site assessments that will
amount to ~$15,000 in program income. Site assessment fees are collected
directly by CRWC and will be used to offset personnel costs.
o Friends of the Rouge (FOTR): ~$210,000 (Federal Funding) + ~$12,500 (Program
Income)
FOTR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to restoring,
protecting, and enhancing the Rouge River watershed through stewardship,
education, and collaboration. FOTR engages thousands of people each year in
hands-on restoration and stewardship efforts throughout the Rouge River
watershed through a number of public involvement and education programs.
FOTR will be contracted to conduct individual homeowner site assessments for
residents that are accepted into the RainSmart Rebates program and reside within
the Rouge River watershed. These site assessments provide 1-on-1 attention and
allow the homeowner to receive site specific information and ask detailed
questions that relate to their property, project installation, appropriate
maintenance, and program criteria. The site assessments are critical to the success
of the program. FOTR will also install all grant projects within the Rouge River
watershed. Grants are distributed on a first come, first serve basis to applicants
who are unable to physically install the project themselves or financially unable to
wait for a reimbursement for their projects. In these instances, FOTR will
purchase the materials and install the projects after a homeowner has a site
assessment.
With the given budget, FOTR estimates that they can conduct roughly 500 site
assessments and 35 grant installations over 2.5 years.
Subaward Duration: March 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
FOTR’s subaward will fund the following Object Class Categories:
15
• Personnel (~$126,330.43): to accomplish ~500 site assessments and ~35
grant project installations, FOTR requires several staff members to be
involved in the project. Below is a list of staff positions and estimated
hours needed:
o Restoration Field Coordinator (~2203 Hr @ $37.04)
o Restoration Manager (~208 Hr @ $45.42)
o GSI Intern 1 (~1041 Hr @ $22.05)
o GSI Intern 2 (~976 Hr @ $22.05)
• Fringe Benefits (~$21,660): provided to staff working on the project. Full-
time staff require 20.3% and part-time staff require 9%
• Travel (~$7,400): mileage reimbursement will be request for travel to and
from site assessments
• Supplies (~$27,218.27): The majority of this line item includes material
purchase (rain barrels, trees, rain garden plants) for grant installation
projects. A smaller portion will be used for office supplies and personal
computing devices for new hires who are conducting site assessments in
the field.
• Indirect (~$27,391.3): FOTR requests the 15% de minimus rate authorized
by 2 CFR 200.414(f)
• Program Income (~$12,500): As part of the program, each homeowner is
required to pay $25 to reserve their site assessment appointment. This
reduces the number of cancelations and no-shows and also shows
homeowner commitment to proceeding with the program. Over the span
of the project, FOTR has committed to ~500 site assessments that will
amount to ~$12,500 in program income. Site assessment fees are collected
directly by CRWC and will be used to offset personnel costs.
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 1
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL
GRANT NUMBER (FAIN): 00E08011
MODIFICATION NUMBER:0
PROGRAM CODE: GL
DATE OF AWARD
04/22/2026
TYPE OF ACTION:
New
MAILING DATE
04/27/2026
PROTECTION AGENCY
Grant Agreement PAYMENT METHOD:
ASAP
ACH#
50272
RECIPIENT TYPE:
County
Send Payment Request to:
Contact EPA RTPFC at: rtpfc-grants@epa.gov
RECIPIENT: PAYEE:
OAKLAND, COUNTY OF
1200 N TELEGRAPH RD
PONTIAC, MI 48341
EIN: 38-6004876
OAKLAND, COUNTY OF
1200 N Telegraph Road Dept 470
PONTIAC, MI 48341
PROJECT MANAGER EPA PROJECT OFFICER EPA GRANT SPECIALIST
Stephanie Petriello
One Public Works Dr
Building 95 W
Waterford, MI 48328
Email: petriellos@oakgov.com
Phone: 947-500-7006
Barner Hill
77 W. Jackson Blvd., G-9J
Chicago, IL 60604
Email: hill.barner@epa.gov
Phone: 312-886-1977
Cody Kitchens
Assistance Section II, MA-10J
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Email: Kitchens.Cody@epa.gov
Phone: 312-353-6553
PROJECT TITLE AND DESCRIPTION
RainSmart Rebates: Promoting Residential Green Infrastructure with Rebates
Oakland County will expand the RainSmart Rebates program for implementing green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) practices to reduce nonpoint source
pollution and stormwater runoff.The activities include providing incentives for implementing sustainable stormwater practices for tree planting, rain barrel
installation, and creating rain gardens on private properties.
The anticipated deliverables include the implementation of over 1,500 stormwater projects on private land. The outcome will capture approximately 2.5 million
gallons of runoff, significantly improving local water quality by reducing nonpoint source pollution. Direct beneficiaries of this assistance agreement include
residents of the Clinton and Rouge River watersheds.
Subrecipients activities include: Conducting 1-on-1 site assessments for each homeowner accepted into the program; Providing guided support on GSI
design, installation; maintenance and altering internal data management mechanisms to create a more efficient RainSmart Rebate program.
BUDGET PERIOD
03/01/2026 - 12/31/2028
PROJECT PERIOD
03/01/2026 - 12/31/2028
TOTAL BUDGET PERIOD COST
$ 772,500.00
TOTAL PROJECT PERIOD COST
$ 772,500.00
NOTICE OF AWARD
Based on your Application dated 03/18/2026 including all modifications and amendments, the United States acting by and through the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) hereby awards $ 745,000.00. EPA agrees to cost-share 96.44% of all approved budget period costs incurred, up to and not
exceeding total federal funding of $ 745,000.00. Recipient's signature is not required on this agreement. The recipient demonstrates its commitment to carry
out this award by either: 1) drawing down funds within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date; or 2) not filing a notice of disagreement with
the award terms and conditions within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date. If the recipient disagrees with the terms and conditions
specified in this award, the authorized representative of the recipient must furnish a notice of disagreement to the EPA Award Official within 21 days after the
EPA award or amendment mailing date. In case of disagreement, and until the disagreement is resolved, the recipient should not draw down on the funds
provided by this award/amendment, and any costs incurred by the recipient are at its own risk. This agreement is subject to applicable EPA regulatory and
statutory provisions, all terms and conditions of this agreement and any attachments.
ISSUING OFFICE (GRANTS MANAGEMENT OFFICE) AWARD APPROVAL OFFICE
ORGANIZATION / ADDRESS ORGANIZATION / ADDRESS
U.S. EPA, Region 5, U.S. EPA Region 5
Mail Code MCG10J 77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
U.S. EPA, Region 5, Great Lakes National Program Office
R5 - Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd., G-9J
Chicago, IL 60604
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Digital signature applied by EPA Award Official Karen Sykes - Supervisor, Grants Management Officer DATE
04/22/2026
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 2
EPA Funding Information
FUNDS FORMER AWARD THIS ACTION AMENDED TOTAL
EPA $ 0 $ 745,000 $ 745,000
EPA In-Kind Amount $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Unexpended Prior Year Balance $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Other Federal Funds $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Recipient $ 0 $ 27,500 $ 27,500
State Contribution $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Local Contribution $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Other Contribution $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Allowable $ 0 $ 772,500 $ 772,500
Assistance Program Statutory Authority Regulatory Authority
66.469 - Geographic Programs - Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative
Clean Water Act: Sec. 118(c) as amended by PL
114-322
2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1500 and 40 CFR 33
Fiscal
Site Name Req No FY Approp.
Code
Budget
PRC Object
Class Site/Project Cost
Obligation /
- 2605HDX014 252 6 B 05HCG 000BJ7XF3 4116 - - $ 745,000
$ 745,000
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 3
Budget Summary Page
Table A - Object Class Category
(Non-Construction)
Total Approved Allowable
Budget Period Cost
1. Personnel $ 0
2. Fringe Benefits $ 0
3. Travel $ 0
4. Equipment $ 0
5. Supplies $ 5,000
6. Contractual $ 0
7. Construction $ 0
8. Other $ 767,500
9. Total Direct Charges $ 772,500
10. Indirect Costs: 0.00 % Base $ 0
11. Total (Share: Recipient 3.56 % Federal 96.44 %) $ 772,500
12. $ 745,000
13. Program Income $ 27,500
14. Total EPA Amount Awarded This Action $ 745,000
15. Total EPA Amount Awarded To Date $ 745,000
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 4
Administrative Conditions
National Administrative Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
The recipient agrees to comply with the current EPA general terms and conditions available at: https:
//www.epa.gov/grants/epa-general-terms-and-conditions-effective-october-1-2023-or-later.
These terms and conditions are in addition to the assurances and certifications made as a part of the
award and the terms, conditions, or restrictions cited throughout the award.
The EPA repository for the general terms and conditions by year can be found at: https://www.epa.
gov/grants/grant-terms-and-conditions#general.
A. Condition
The terms and conditions of this agreement require the submittal of reports, specific requests for
approval, or notifications to EPA. Unless otherwise noted, all such correspondence should be sent to the
following email addresses:
• Federal Financial Reports (SF-425): rtpfc-grants@epa.gov and kitchens.cody@epa.gov
• All other forms/certifications/assurances, Indirect Cost Rate Agreements, Requests for
Extensions of the Budget and Project Period, Amendment Requests, Requests for other Prior
Approvals, updates to recipient information (including email addresses, changes in contact
information or changes in authorized representatives) and other notifications: kitchens.
cody@epa.gov and hill.barner@epa.gov
• Payment requests (if applicable): kitchens.cody@epa.gov and hill.barner@epa.gov
• Quality Assurance documents, workplan revisions, equipment lists, programmatic reports and
deliverables: hill.barner@epa.gov
B. Pre-Award Costs
In accordance with 2 CFR 1500.9, the recipient may charge otherwise allowable pre-award costs (both
Federal and non-Federal matching shares) incurred from 03/01/2026 to the actual award date provided
that such costs were contained in the approved application and all costs are incurred within the approved
budget period.
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 5
Programmatic Conditions
2026 GLRI Programmatic Terms and Conditions (updated 3/20/2026)
A. Performance Reporting and Final Performance Report
In accordance with 2 CFR 200.329, the recipient must relate financial data and project or
program accomplishments to the performance goals and objectives of the EPAaward and must
provide cost information to demonstrate cost-effective practices (for example, through unit cost
data) when reporting program performance. The recipient agrees to submit performance reports
that include information on each of the following areas: 1) A comparison of accomplishments to
the outputs/outcomes established in the assistance agreement work plan for the reporting period
(for example, comparing costs to units of accomplishment); 2) explanations on why established
outputs/outcomes were not met; and 3) Additional information, analysis, and explanation of cost
overruns or higher-than-expected-unit costs.
Additionally, the recipient agrees to notify the EPAwhen a significant development occurs that
could impact the award. Significant developments include events that enable meeting milestones
and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or that produce different beneficial results
than originally planned. Significant developments also include problems, delays, or adverse
conditions which will impact the ability to meet the milestones or objectives of the award,
including outputs/outcomes specified in the assistance agreement work plan. If the significant
developments negatively impact the award, the recipient must include information on their plan
for corrective action and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
1. Semi-annual progress reports: Starting with the first full reporting period after the issuance of
the award, the recipient shall submit semi-annual progress reports (electronically) to the EPA
Project Officer by April 30 and October 31 of each year, through the life of the assistance
agreement. Reporting periods shall be the 6-month periods from October 1 to March 31 and April
1 to September 30. Progress reports shall document progress in writing and in pictures, for the
project during the immediately preceding reporting period and must contain sufficient
information in order to ascertain that the workplan is being carried out as specified in the
assistance agreement. Progress reports shall describe all of the following that apply:
(a) Work accomplished for the period, quantifying results achieved. Specify any incremental and
cumulative (results achieved during the reporting period for all applicable GLRI Action Plan
IV measures identified on pages 10-15 of the GLRI Action Plan IV, in accordance with any
direction provided by your EPA Project Officer and the GLRI Action Plan IV Measures Reporting
Planat GLRI Action Plan>, particularly:
3.2.1
(b) National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 status;
(c) Quality Assurance;
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 6
(d) Object Class Category changes;
(e) Corrective actions;
(f) Projected new work;
(g) Percent completion of scheduled work;
(h) Percent of budgeted amounts spent;
(i) Any change in principal investigator;
(j) Any change needed in project period,
(k) Date and amount of latest drawdown request along with expenditures for the reporting
period; and
(l) Delays or adverse conditions which materially impair the ability to meet the outputs/outcomes
specified in the assistance agreement workplan.
Grant progress reports must accurately reflect recipient's progress towards outputs
and outcomes and all activities outlined in the approved work plan are being completed as
agreed, and that the recipient is meeting the terms and conditions of the grant.
2. Final Report: The final Report shall incorporate all proposed project outputs and outcomes
and summarize the nature and extent of the project, methodologies employed, significant events
and experiences, a compilation of the data collected, and results achieved. Significant
developments include events that enable meeting milestones and objectives sooner or at less
cost than anticipated or that produce different beneficial results than originally planned.
Results shall include the cumulative results achieved during the project period for all proposed
outputs and outcomes, including but not limited to all applicable GLRI Action Plan IV measures
described in element 1 of the Semi-annual Progress Report condition above, all outputs and
outcomes. The final report shall also include analysis of the data, conclusions, and
recommendations.The final report shall incorporate documentation of the project and
environmental progress under the project at appropriate phases, including photos, illustrations,
diagrams, charts, graphs, and maps as appropriate to support the project results and measures
reported.In order for the report writing costs to be eligible under the award, the draft final report
must be submitted to the PO prior to the grant expiration date.Electronic versions of the Final
Report shall be submitted no later than 120 days after the end of the project period.All work
products shall indicate attribution to the U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for funding
assistance and should also acknowledge significant contributions by others. If applicable, the
Final Report shall include:
A dataset (Excel or similar format) of field and laboratory data including but not limited to
project latitude and longitude, date, time, field observations, parameter data, laboratory analysis,
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 7
quality assurance data
Model files including input-output data, model code, model output, and peripheral and post-
processing utilities.
3. Subaward Performance Reporting: (include if subawards are included in the grant)
The recipient must report on its subaward monitoring activities under 2 CFR 200.332(d).
Examples of items that must be reported if the pass-through entity has the information available
are:
I. Summaries of results of reviews of financial and programmatic reports.
II. Summaries of findings from site visits and/or desk reviews to ensure effective subrecipient
performance.
III. Environmental results the subrecipient achieved.
IV. Summaries of audit findings and related pass-through entity management decisions.
V. Actions the pass-through entity has taken to correct deficiencies such as those specified at 2
CFR 200.332(e) Requirements for pass-through entities, 2 CFR 200.208 Specific Conditions and
the 2 CFR 200.339 Remedies for Noncompliance.
Subaward Programmatic Monitoring for Grants in Support of Areas of Concern or Lakewide
Action and Management Plans (include in all non-competitive grants if subawards are included in
the grant)
In addition to subaward monitoring and reporting requirements described in the Performance
Reporting and Final Performance Report condition of this agreement, assistance agreement
recipients who are issued non-competitive grants in support of Areas of Concern (AOC) or
Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs), and who include subawards in their budget,
must monitor and report on subrecipient work to ensure that it meets the objectives of the AOC
or LAMP.
B. Cybersecurity Condition
Cybersecurity Grant Condition for Other Recipients, Including Intertribal Consortia
(a) The recipient agrees that when collecting and managing environmental data under this
assistance agreement, it will protect the data by following all applicable State or Tribal law
cybersecurity requirements.
(b) (1) EPA must ensure that any connections between the recipient's network or information
system and EPA networks used by the recipient to transfer data under this agreement, are
secure. For purposes of this Section, a connection is defined as a dedicated persistent interface
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 8
between an Agency IT system and an external IT system for the purpose of transferring
information. Transitory, user-controlled connections such as website browsing are excluded from
this definition.
If the recipient's connections as defined above do not go through the Environmental Information
Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange, the recipient agrees to contact the EPA
Project Officer (PO) no later than 90 days after the date of this award and work with the
designated Regional/Headquarters Information Security Officer to ensure that the connections
meet EPA security requirements, including entering into Interconnection Service Agreements as
appropriate. This condition does not apply to manual entry of data by the recipient into systems
operated and used by EPA's regulatory programs for the submission of reporting and/or
compliance data.
(2) The recipient agrees that any subawards it makes under this agreement will require the
subrecipient to comply with the requirements in (b)(1) if the subrecipient's network or information
system is connected to EPA networks to transfer data to the Agency using systems other than
the Environmental Information Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange. The
recipient willbe in compliance withthis condition: by including this requirement in subaward
agreements; and during subrecipient monitoring deemed necessary by the recipient under 2
CFR 200.332(d), by inquiring whether the subrecipient has contacted the EPA Project Officer.
Nothing in this condition requires the recipient to contact the EPA Project Officer on behalf of a
subrecipient or to be involved in the negotiation of an Interconnection Service Agreement
between the subrecipient and EPA.
C. Requesting Travel Approval under the Existing Agreement
Time and travel costs along with participation in professional meetings funded under this
agreement shall be reviewedby the EPA Project Officer in advance. Although EPA may have
approved this type of activity as a component of the workplan, the recipient (or its representative)
and subrecipients seeking to attend professional meetingsnot covered/approved in the original
scope of work, mustnotify theEPA Project Officer identified on the first page of this agreement.
1. Travel Narrative
Specifically, at least 30 days in advance, the recipient shall notify the EPA Project Officer of any
travel plans not previously detailed in the approved workplan by providing the Project Officer with
a description of the event, the location of the event, the event sponsor, travel dates, the
recipient's role in the event, the number of travelers and an itemized travel breakdown of costs
(per diem, mileage, lodging, parking/tolls, airfare, etc.). The request should also include a
justification describing why this travel is a necessary part of this assistance agreement. The
recipient understands that any travel revisions contributing to a rebudgeting of funds from other
cost categories exceeding 10% of the total budget, or an increase in grant funds requires a
formal amendment to this agreement.
2. International Travel (see also EPA General Term and Condition titled “Foreign Travel”)
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 9
The recipient must request approval for international travel not approved in the workplan by
submitting a request to the Project Officer at least 30 days in advance of incurring international
travel costs. This request must include an explanation on why this travel is necessary to
effectively carry out the approved project(s), an itemized budget (per diem, mileage, lodging,
parking/tolls, airfare), number of trips, number of travelers, the country where international travel
will occur, and the dates of travel if known. (The recipient understands that if it
incurs international travel costs of any kind without EPA's prior approval, it does so at its own
risk).
D. Use of Logos
If the GLRI logos are used on websites, engagement materials, reports or publications along with
logos from other participating entities, the GLRI logo mustnotbe prominently displayed to imply
that any of the recipient's or subrecipient's activities are being conducted by the EPA. Instead,
the GLRI logo should be accompanied with a statement indicating that the[Insert Recipient or
Subrecipient NAME]received financial support from the EPA under an Assistance Agreement.
E. Public or Media Events
The Recipient agrees to notify the EPA Project Officer listed in this award document of public or
media events (such as groundbreaking events, ribbon cutting events, etc.) publicizing the
accomplishment of significant events related to construction projects as a result of this
agreement and provide the opportunity for attendance and participation by federal
representatives with at least ten (10) working days' notice.
F. Signage
The recipient shall ensure that a visible project identification sign (with the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative logo provided by the EPA Project Officer) is erected as appropriate at each
on-the-ground protection or restoration project. Each sign must give project information and
credit the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and appropriate federal agencies for funding. The
recipient will determine the design, placement, and materials for each sign. The GLRI logo
should be accompanied with the statement indicating that the Oakland Countyreceived financial
support in the amount of $745,000 from the EPA.
G. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
All laboratory and field activities conducted for this project must be in accordance and
compliance with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws, regulations and
guidelines.
H. Management Practice
The recipient agrees to properly operate and maintain any best management practices
implemented through this award in accordance with design standards and specifications.
I. Disposition of Wastes
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 10
The recipient agrees to dispose of all wastes in accordance with State and Federal regulation.
J. Timely Fiscal Expenditures
The recipient must ensure funds are expended in a timely manner commensurate with the
progression of project activities. To ensure compliance with unliquidated obligations (ULO)
policies, the recipient must notify the EPA Project Officer of potential drawdown delays that
exceed 180 days.
K. Quality AssuranceGrant Condition for Other Grant Recipients
The recipient shall ensure that subawards involving environmental information issued under this
agreement include appropriate quality documentation for the work.
Prior to beginning environmental information operations, the recipient must:
i. Develop a QAPP in accordance with the current version of EPA's Quality Assurance Project
Plan (QAPP) Standard,
ii. Submit the document for EPA review, and
iii. Obtain EPA Quality Assurance Manager or designee (hereafter referred to as QAM)
approval.
Quality Assurance applies to all assistance agreements involving environmental information
(data collection, production, or use). The recipient shall ensure that subawards involving
environmental information issued under this agreement include appropriate
quality documentation for the work. All workplans will be evaluated for Quality Documentation
requirements. VisitQuality Assurance Resources for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
GranteesandEPA Quality Program Directives.for more information about GLRI requirements,
tools, and resources.
https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/glnpos-quality-assurance-resources-site-grantees-
supporting-great-lakeshttps://www.epa.gov/quality/quality-program-directivesL. National Historic
Preservation Act
Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.2(c)(4), EPA has authorized all assistance agreement recipients and
applicants to initiate consultation under National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section
106, 54 U.S.C. 306108 on behalf of EPA, for all grants, cooperative agreements, interagency
agreements, and other projects under GLNPO's purview, including but not limited to the Great
Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), 33 U.S.C. 1268, and applicable appropriations acts and/or
implementing regulations. EPA does not delegate its Tribal consultation responsibilities and will
work with the recipient to carry out the appropriate actions.
While all assistance agreement recipients and applicants are authorized to initiate Section 106
consultation on behalf of EPA, EPA retains legal responsibility for findings and determinations
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 11
required under the Section 106 process. In addition, when applicable, EPA will consult directly
under Section 106 with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, pursuant to 36 CFR
800.2(c)(2(ii).
Prior to conducting or engaging in any on-site activity, the grantee shall consult with an EPA
Project Officer regarding the National Historic Preservation Act and, if applicable, shall assist
EPA in complying with any requirements of the Act and implementing regulations. All Section
106 deliverables identified in the workplan must be submitted to the EPA Project Officer.
If unanticipated archaeological or human remains are discovered during earth-disturbing
activities, stop work immediately and contact the EPA Project Officer. Do not engage in any
earth-disturbing activities until an EPA official states work can resume.
L. Participant Support Costs: (If answered “yes” to Section E.10 above, need to include the
following in T& C.) Refer to Title 2 CFR 200.1 Definitions for additional determination and
information if necessary. Note: This question does not apply to individual fellowships subject to
40 CFR Part 46.
2 CFR 200.1, define Participant Support Costs as: direct costs for items such as stipends or
subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of
participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with meetings or training projects. EPA
regulations at 2 CFR 1500.1 expand the definition of Participant Support Costs to include
subsidies, rebates and other payments to program beneficiaries to encourage participation in
statutorily authorized environmental stewardship programs Additionally, the Uniform Grant
Guidance at 2 CFR 200.456 requires participant support costs to be documented in a financial
assistance recipient's or subrecipient's policies, and to be treated consistently across grants.
EPA requires participant support cost types to be allocated to the “Other” budget category.
M. Competency Policy
Project officers must ensure that the following programmatic term and condition is included in
awards (exceeding or expected to exceed $200,000 in federal funds that will or are expected to
involve the generation or use of environmental data:
Competency of Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data
In accordance with Agency Policy Directive Number FEM-2012-02l,Policy to Assure the
Competency of Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data under Agency-
Funded Assistance Agreements, The recipient agrees, by entering into this agreement, that it
has demonstrated competency prior to award, or alternatively, where a pre-award demonstration
of competency is not practicable, the recipient agrees to demonstrate competency prior to
carrying out any activities under the award involving the generation or use of environmental data.
Recipient shall maintain competency for the duration of the project period of this agreement and
this will be documented by maintaining the approved QMP and/or QAPP in the grant file.
N. Program Income
GL - 00E08011 - 0 Page 12
Decide on a program specific basis.
In accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.307(b) and 2 CFR 1500.8(b), the recipient is hereby
authorized to retain program income earned during the project period.
Project Officer must choose one or more of the options below per their approval in the Funding
Recommendation and delete the options not applicable. The default use of program income
under 2 CFR 1500.8(b) is “Addition.”
The recipient agrees to use the following method for applying income:
Option 1. Addition. Program income is added to the total allowable costs, increasing the overall
total amount of the award. Program income must be used for the original purpose of the award
and under the conditions of the assistance agreement.
The recipient must provide as part of its [Insert Quarterly, Semi-annual, or Annual and
Final]performance report, a description of how program income is being used. Further, a report
on the amount of program income earned during the award period must be submitted with
the [Insert Quarterly, Semi-annual, or Annual and Final] Federal Financial Report, Standard
Form 425.
Note: During budget negotiations program offices may authorize the recipient to deduct costs
incurred in generating program income from gross program income to determine net program
income as provided at2 CFR 200.307(d). In these cases the program income T&C must include
the following additional statement:
In accordance with 2 CFR 200.307(d)2 CFR 200.307(d) costs incidental to generating program
income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs
have not been charged to the EPA award. The recipient must retain adequate accounting
records to document that any costs deducted from program income comply with regulatory
requirements.
Caution: This email originated from outside EPA, please exercise additional caution when deciding whether to open attachments or
click on provided links.
CAUTION: This message is from a sender outside of the Oakland County organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
From:Hill, Barner
To:Blenkhorn, Jay; Kitchens, Cody
Cc:Petriello, Stephanie; Keyes-Bowie, Tifanny B
Subject:RE: RainSmart Rebates Award (GL00E08011) Questions and Follow-Up
Date:Monday, May 4, 2026 1:53:35 PM
Attachments:image002.png
image003.png
Good afternoon, Jay
Thank you for checking in and your question. You are correct on all 3 points that you stated below.
I hope this helps.
Barner Hill, Project Officer
Project Assistance & Oversight Section
Financial Assistance, Oversight & Management Branch
Great Lakes National Program Office – G-9J
EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
My hours are 7:30 am to 4 pm M-W
7:00 am to 3:30 pm Th and Fri
(312) 886-1977(WORK)
Hill.Barner@epa.gov (EMAIL)
From: Blenkhorn, Jay <blenkhornj@oakgov.com>
Sent: Friday, May 1, 2026 3:27 PM
To: Hill, Barner <hill.barner@epa.gov>; Kitchens, Cody <Kitchens.Cody@epa.gov>
Cc: Petriello, Stephanie <petriellos@oakgov.com>; Keyes-Bowie, Tifanny B <keyesbowiet@oakgov.com>
Subject: RE: RainSmart Rebates Award (GL00E08011) Questions and Follow-Up
Good Afternoon Barner:
My apologies for the late-Friday email, but I wanted to clarify an additional thing about the match % that is indicated in the award agreement. The
budget summary shows a recipient cost-share of 3.56%:
Caution: This email originated from outside EPA, please exercise additional caution when deciding whether to open attachments or
click on provided links.
CAUTION: This message is from a sender outside of the Oakland County organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I wanted to verify that:
1. This doesn’t obligate Oakland County to pay any of that match % but simply reflects that 3.56% of the overall budget is coming from program
income collected by subrecipients.
2. This doesn’t obligate Oakland County to collect the program income, but just to monitor and report on the subrecipients who will be doing
that.
3. When we submit for reimbursement requests, we won’t be required to provide for 3.56 of the costs.
I’ve copied Tifanny Keyes-Bowie, Oakland County’s Grant Compliance Administrator. She is helping us work through the process to receive
approval from our Board of Commissioners. Tifanny, please feel free to jump in with any additional clarifications.
Thanks again and have a great weekend!
Jay Blenkhorn, Grants & Policy Coordinator
Oakland County Water Resources
947-232-5119
blenkhornj@oakgov.com
oakgov.com/water
From: Hill, Barner <hill.barner@epa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2026 1:57 PM
To: Blenkhorn, Jay <blenkhornj@oakgov.com>; Kitchens, Cody <Kitchens.Cody@epa.gov>
Cc: Petriello, Stephanie <petriellos@oakgov.com>
Subject: RE: RainSmart Rebates Award (GL00E08011) Questions and Follow-Up
Hi Jay,
I just want to acknowledge real-quick that your email has been received. We will look into your questions and respond as soon as we can.
Thanks
Barner Hill, Project Officer
Project Assistance & Oversight Section
Financial Assistance, Oversight & Management Branch
Great Lakes National Program Office – G-9J
EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
My hours are 7:30 am to 4 pm M-W
7:00 am to 3:30 pm Th and Fri
(312) 886-1977(WORK)
Hill.Barner@epa.gov (EMAIL)
From: Blenkhorn, Jay <blenkhornj@oakgov.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2026 9:57 AM
To: Hill, Barner <hill.barner@epa.gov>; Kitchens, Cody <Kitchens.Cody@epa.gov>
Cc: Petriello, Stephanie <petriellos@oakgov.com>
Subject: RainSmart Rebates Award (GL00E08011) Questions and Follow-Up
EPA GRANT AWARD
Economic Development and Infrastructure
Committee Meeting
June 3, 2026
GOAL
The RainSmart Rebates program aims to promote environmental stewardship and
help homeowners manage stormwater by offering a “rebate” for funds they spend
on installing green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens, rain barrels, trees) to
enhance their property .
EPA GLRI AWARD
o Grant details:
$745,000 over 2.5 years
NO COUNTY MATCH required
Expand the eligible area to include the
entirety of 24 municipalities
Incorporate Friends of the Rouge for site
assessments in the Rouge River
watershed
o 2024-2025:
GWK PILOT AREA
956 total applications
482 site assessments
683 projects installed
by 299 homeowners
o 2026-2027:
EXPANDED AREA
More than 650 total
applications to date
1,100 projected site
assessments
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Total Grant Amount 745,000.00$
Homeowner Rebates 270,000.00$
Supplies 5,000.00$
CRWC (Site Assessments + Support)130,000.00$
CRWC (Equity Grant Installations)80,000.00$
FOTR (Site Assessments + Support)130,000.00$
FOTR (Equity Grant Installations)80,000.00$
CWP (GIS + Tracking Updates)50,000.00$ Su
b
a
w
a
r
d
s
(
$
4
7
0
,
0
0
0
)
QUESTIONS?
STEPHANIE PETRIELLO
Senior Environmental Planner
petriellos@oakgov.com
947-500-7006 rainsmart@oakgov.com
Please Note: An exception to the Board Rules request was submitted for this application. Pursuant to section
IX(H)(1) of the Board Rules, the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to approve this grant
application in excess of $50,000 without full Board approval for purposes of meeting the application deadline.
Accordingly, a miscellaneous resolution is not required.
GRANT REVIEW SIGN-OFF – Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
GRANT NAME: FY2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, RainSmart Rebates APP00288
FUNDING AGENCY: United States Environmental Protection Agency
DEPARTMENT CONTACT PERSON: Stephanie Petriello (947) 500-7006
STATUS: Application (Greater than $50,000)
DATE: March 19, 2026
Please be advised that the captioned grant materials have completed the internal grant review. Below are the returned
comments.
The Board of Commissioners’ liaison committee resolution and grant application package (which should include this sign-
off and the grant application with related documentation) should be downloaded into Civic Clerk to be placed on the next
agenda(s) of the appropriate Board of Commissioner’s committee(s) for grant acceptance by Board resolution.
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: David Woodward, Chairman. Commissioner Yoland Smith Charles
FROM: JIM NASH, WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER.
SUBJECT: Grant Application Exception to Board Rules – RainSmart Rebates Grant
DATE: 3/13/26
CC: Tifanny Keyes-Bowie, Michael Andrews, JoAnn Stringfellow, Mike Keys, Sara
Rubino, Stephanie Petriello, Jay Blenkhorn
I would like to formally request a submission deadline exception to the BOC rules for the following grant
application:
Grant Name: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Grantor Agency: US EPA
Grant Invitation date: 2/13/2026
Deadline: ASAP
Amount: $745,000. No local match required.
Operating Department: Water Resources
Review Status: Application (Greater than $50,000)
Tentative BOC Schedule: 4/8/26 for Chair Letter to the Board
Communication Letter from the Chair to Board:
- EPA Key Contacts Form
- Standard Application Form SF 424
- Standard Application Budget Form SF 424A
- Pre-Award Compliance Review
- Certificate Regarding Lobbying
- Workplan
- Detailed Budget Document
Synopsis:
If awarded this grant, Oakland County will expand the RainSmart Rebates program for implementing
green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution and stormwater
runoff into the Great Lakes. This program was originally piloted within the George W. Kuhn Drainage
District (GWK). Activities include providing incentives for implementing sustainable stormwater practices
for tree planting, rain barrel installation, and creating rain gardens on private properties.
Justification:
The EPA is reviewing applications and making grant awards quickly. They are time-constrained, need to
obligate these funds as soon as possible, and have indicated that our proposal has a high chance of
receiving an award. Also, since this would fund the program for roughly two years, it is imperative that
we get our application in as soon as possible. The program can only effectively occur through the
spring-autumn seasons and my office would require time to get the appropriate logistics in place to
begin the program this year. We would need to promote the program, receive resident applications, get
agreements in place, ensure proper residential site assessments are conducted, and allow time for
installation of GIS solutions
Thank You,