Funding Available for Local Restoration and Access Projects

As part of the relicensing of the Parr and Fairfield hydroelectric projects on the Broad River, Dominion Energy created the Parr Habitat Enhancement Program (HEP) and regularly contributes funds for natural resource stewardship grants in the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree River watersheds.

Types of projects that may be eligible for funding include stream restoration, removal of barriers to aquatic species, conservation, restoration, and enhancement of habitat for threatened, endangered and at-risk species, land conservation, developing low-impact facilities to access waterways for fishing and boating, and some research and monitoring activities. The HEP fund has already funded fisheries research, access improvements, and restoration planning activities. 

The 2026 Parr HEP request for proposals was recently released, and more than $300,000 will be available for projects this cycle. Proposals are due by July 31st.