The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Resources (DWR) is soliciting proposals for Clean Water Act-Section 319 (h) Nonpoint Source Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2022 for projects that implement a DWR-approved watershed restoration plan to restore the water quality of waters impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. DWR anticipates that approximately $1.3 million in federal funds may be available for water quality restoration projects. Funds are provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
State and local governments, interstate agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations including academic institutions, and state-recognized tribes are eligible to apply. Applications are due by midnight on May 4, 2022. Please visit the Division of Water Resources 319 Grant Program website (https://deq.nc.gov/about/
All the applications will be reviewed for completeness, technical merit, and adherence to the Clean Water Act, USEPA Section 319(h) Program Guidance, and FY 2022 Request for Proposals criteria. Complete applications will undergo a comprehensive review using criteria designed to evaluate and score the environmental benefits likely to be achieved. After review, applications will be ranked by their scores and an interagency workgroup of nonpoint source practitioners will meet and agree on final recommendations for funding. Successful applicants will be required to execute a formal grant agreement and adhere to all requirements of the Section 319(h) implementation sub-awards program.
Availability of grant funds, amounts, and award schedules are conditioned on USEPA’s budget as approved by Congress and subsequent allocation of Section 319 funds to the state. The NCDEQ, DWR reserves the right to wholly fund, partially fund, or not fund any proposal or any component of any Section 319 grant proposal.
For questions about the FY 2022 319(h) RFP or project eligibility, please contact Rishi Bastakoti at rishi.bastakoti@ncdenr.gov