The Puget Sound Action Team (Action Team) is looking for partners to encourage people and communities to take actions to protect and restore Puget Sound through its longstanding Public Involvement and Education (PIE) Fund.

At least $400,000 in state funding is available for projects that benefit water resources in thePuget Sound Basin and that address one or more funding priorities: pollution, habitat and salmon recovery. The application deadline is Jan. 9, 2006.

The Action Team started the PIE program in 1987. Residents of Washington state, businesses, organizations, watershed or salmon groups, tribal or local governments, schools or educators may apply. Federal agencies may not receive PIE funds. Maximum funding per project is $45,000. The Action Team encourages but does not require matching funds.

For help putting together a proposal or filling out an application, attend a Proposal Assistance Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2005, at Edmonds City Hall, 121 5th Ave. N.

PIE is not a grant program. Through personal service contracts, the Action Team obtains the services of individuals and organizations to carry out its 2005-2007 Puget Sound Conservation and Recovery Plan (http://www.psat.wa.gov/plan) Groups or individuals who contract with the Action Team are reimbursed for services provided.

Application materials will be posted on the Action Team Web site on Nov. 28, 2005, http://www.psat.wa.gov/pie. Descriptions of past PIE projects and general information can be found on the site already. For more information, contact Mary Knackstedt, Program Manager, Education and Public Involvement, 360-725-5457 or mknackstedt@psat.wa.gov.

The Puget Sound Action Team is the state’s partnership for Puget Sound that defines, coordinates and puts into action the state’s environmental and sustainability agenda for the Sound. For more information, visit http://www.psat.wa.gov.