Special Notices

The West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) is requesting proposals for research expected to be funded March 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior, will sponsor the research under Section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act. Faculty members or affiliates at institutions of higher education in the State of West Virginia are encouraged to submit proposals. Closing date is November 30, 2012.

Proposals are invited that address any of the following research priorities:

Shale Gas:

energy production impacts on water resources
water quality/quantity concerns for gas well hydrofracturing
sediment and erosion control (pads and gas lines)

Coal Mining:

uses for mine water discharge

Aquatic Ecosystem:

flooding; aquatic ecosystem integrity
water metrics
water quality

Urban development:

industrial processes and urban sprawl
land use
inadequate infrastructure

Agriculture:

agricultural impacts

Multi-year projects are encouraged. Funding selected proposals is dependent upon the availability of funds. Funding in previous years has allowed the WVWRI to support two to four research projects each in the range of approximately $15,000 – $25,000. Colleges and universities receiving research grants must provide two-to-one cost-sharing ($2 cost-share for every $1 Federal).

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the WVWRI website at http://wvwri.nrcce.wvu.edu/docs/USGS-104b-program-rfp2012.pdf.