WASHINGTON – Tennessee has been awarded $6.1 million for wetlands protection.
According to a news release from the U.S. Agriculture Department, the money is part of nearly $175 million awarded to wetland conservation projects in 22 states and Puerto Rico.
Wetlands are areas that are saturated by water all or most of the year. They help prevent flooding and soil erosion. They also filter contaminants, preventing them from entering lakes, rivers and streams.
The new grants are expected to protect 75,000 acres by paying for conservation easements and wetland restoration on privately owned land.
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