Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2014ME304B

Maine Information Transfer

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2014 Start Date: 2014-03-01 End Date: 2015-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $22,134 Total Non-Federal Funds: $30,849

Principal Investigators: John Peckenham

Project Summary: Information transfer plays a key role in the mission of the Maine Water Resources Research Institute (Water Institute). The Water Institute is the key technical resource to promote water research in Maine and to make research results accessible to a variety of constituencies. Using part-time staff and funding from various sources, the Water Institute will continue to disseminate research results, organize meetings, participate in statewide forums, serve on committees dealing with water resource issues, work with K-12 teachers and students, and support special projects. The close working association with the Mitchell Center provides a primary portal to access the substantial technical abilities of the University of Maine system on issues related to water resources. No other agency, entity or organization in Maine can provide the same breadth and depth of topical water-resources knowledge and experience. The Maine Water Resources Research Institute provides essential leadership for water research and information dissemination across the state. The Water Institute is operationally integrated with the Senator George J. Mitchell Center. The Mitchell Center serves as the hub for environmental research in Maine, is the lead for the NSF funded Maine Sustainability Solutions Initiative, and also supports related education and public service activities. The goal of these integrated entities is to facilitate collaborations among the academic community, state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, private companies, and the public at large. Major activities planned for FY14 include the Annual Maine Water Conference (April 1, 2014), the Annual Mitchell Lecture on the Environment, visiting speaker series, and support for GET WET! activities in K-12 schools.