Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants

To assist States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (hereinafter referred to as States), and qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia in implementing EPA-approved Section 319 nonpoint source management programs. EPA's awards grants that implement a grant recipient's nonpoint source management program plan, particularly the development and implementation of watershed-based plans, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources, which result in improved water quality in impaired waters. These watershed plans are a mechanism to coordinate monitoring and planning on a watershed basis and will build a foundation for effective implementation actions using federal and other funding. Nonpoint source implementation projects include best management practice (BMP) installation for animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control, a variety of other structural and non-structural practices, watershed planning, monitoring, watershed coordinators, technology demonstration, and a variety of education/outreach programs, among others.

Eligible entities include States and qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia who have approved nonpoint source assessment reports and management plans. To be qualified, Tribes must have treatment in a manner similar to a state (TAS) status for the 319 Program. Grants to States are awarded by formula. The State allotment is awarded to the agency in each State designated by the chief executive as the lead nonpoint source agency. The lead nonpoint source agency may distribute grant funds to other organizations in accordance with its work program, which is approved by EPA. Eligible Tribes are allocated a base allotment by formula; the remaining Tribal portion of the 319(h) appropriation is competed among qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

Funds are awarded to States in accordance with Clean Water Act Section 319 (h). Non-competitive applications are assessed consistent with the merit review regulations in 2 CFR 200.205. For selection processes within individual States, contact the appropriate State nonpoint source coordinators. The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this assistance listing will be described in the NOFO.

40 Nonfederal match of at least 40 percent of project or program costs is required except for grants to Indian Tribes, where following demonstration of financial hardship, the nonfederal match may be reduced to as low as 10 percent of project or program costs. States must also meet maintenance of effort requirements contained in statute. EPA awards grants to all eligible States and Tribes which apply for funding based on an allocation formula that the Agency developed. The allocation formula is described in the revised grant guidelines issued on May 4, 2024 and found at https://www.epa.gov/nps/319-grant-current-guidance Note, tribal base grant guidelines and annual Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are found at: https://www.epa.gov/nps/tribal-nonpoint-source-program.This program has MOE requirements, see funding agency for further details. This program has MOE requirements...

Fiscal year 2025: Nonpoint Source implementation projects to be funded include BMP installation for animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control, urban runoff, and a variety of other structural and non-structural practices; watershed planning, monitoring, watershed coordinators, technology demonstration, and a variety of education/outreach programs, among others.