Support for the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), enacted November 15, 2021, provides grant authority and appropriated $60 million for EPA to issue grants, including grants to the 12 Hypoxia Task Force (HTF) States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin) to support the implementation of the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan. This grant program considers relevant approaches to achieving the intended goals and objectives of the program consistent with statutory requirements. Awardees are required to provide annual progress reports which will be used to measure successful implementation and support evaluation. EPA�s funding priority is to award funds to HTF states to implement nutrient reduction strategies and advance bold, systemic actions that accelerate nutrient load reductions in the MARB and to the Gulf of America. EPA expects states to develop workplans that prioritize those actions most effective at reducing nutrient loads, using both proven and innovative approaches, that are now possible with funding for the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan.

Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Funds are awarded, in equal amounts, to the 12 Hypoxia Task Force states to implement the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan on a non-competitive basis. Applications are assessed consistent with the merit review regulations in 2 CFR 200.205.

Fiscal year 2025: Funds continued to support the 12 HTF states and state recipient activities are underway to hire staff, develop Request for Applications (RFAs), prepare new conservation programs that implement nonpoint source conservation practices, expand existing nonpoint source management programs, update nutrient reduction strategies, enhance capacity to monitor and track nutrient load reductions, and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders.