The DES ARM fund is a non-lapsing, dedicated fund. DES has been authorized to collect the monies by watershed (based on a standard US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 8) and manage the 16 watershed accounts.
When a specific watershed account is ready for disbursal, DES will issue a request for proposals within that watershed.
ARM funds can be used for design and implementation of a wetland restoration project, costs associated with the preservation of land that serves to protect the functions of the aquatic resources, and proposed wetland creation projects. Improvements such as culvert replacement or removal to restore stream continuity and to water quality or wildlife habitat also will be considered.
DES would disburse the funds by HUC8 watershed. The funds are available to applicants such as a municipality, regional planning commissions, county conservation districts, watershed or river associations, non-profit organizations, state agencies as well as educational institutions.
The DES mitigation coordinator tracks detailed information related to the impacts, deposits, projects completed or in progress, and overall results of the program relative to compensation for the loss of wetland and aquatic resource functions.
The projects selected by the Site Selection Committee (described below) are recommended to the Wetlands Council and the US Army Corps of Engineers - New England Division, for approval and fund disbursal. The Wetlands Council serves the role to issue final approval of disbursement of funds. Funds can be awarded only for work done after the Governor and Executive Council approval of the application agreement. This may take several months after projects are selected and approved. Once approved, the funds can be delivered for implementation of the proposed project.
The Mitigation Coordinator prepares an annual report on the performance of the ARM Fund program.