A permit applicant would have the opportunity to provide a payment into the ARM fund where the monies are pooled together and go toward larger, more environmentally beneficial mitigation projects that have a high likelihood of success and long-term benefits to aquatic resources. Monies would be spent on projects that address the loss of functions and values to aquatic resources of the type and within the watersheds where impacts have occurred. Overall, the ARM Fund presents a significant opportunity to achieve large-scale restoration and conservation goals.
A payment amount is calculated by DES and provided to the applicant for consideration. Only after the applicant deposits the payment into the ARM fund would DES issue a permit and allow construction to begin.