Clean Water Project Enhancement Development, Design, and Implementation Block Grant

The Clean Water Project Enhancement Development, Design, and Implementation Block Grant – Design & Implementation is administered by the State Natural Resources Conservation Council (NRCC) in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This initiative supports the enhancement of water quality through the development, design, and implementation of targeted projects proposed by Vermont’s 14 Natural Resources Conservation Districts, municipalities, regional planning commissions, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities. The program is part of Vermont’s Clean Water Initiative and is aligned with statutory purposes to protect and enhance the state's water resources. This grant opportunity provides financial support for a range of project stages, including preliminary design, final design, and full implementation. Projects may fall under several categories such as stormwater management, wetland restoration, lake shoreland protection, floodplain and stream restoration, and agricultural pollution prevention. To qualify, projects must align with at least one of five statutorily defined purposes, including protecting high-quality waters, improving or restoring water quality, creating resilient communities, or supporting public use and enjoyment of water resources. Additionally, all projects must pass a series of eligibility screenings and receive approval from the appropriate DEC program staff. The total funding pool available is approximately $820,000. There is no defined minimum or maximum for individual project budgets; however, large-scale projects are expected to demonstrate high priority, strong impact, cost-effectiveness, or leveraged funding. Applications are evaluated based on project need, purpose, scale, likelihood of successful completion, and cost-effectiveness. Projects must also meet requirements related to environmental impact, non-regulatory focus, and appropriate documentation including eligibility screening forms and landowner commitments. Applicants must submit a completed application package which includes a Budget Sheet, a Project Eligibility Screening Form, a locator map, landowner commitments, and if applicable, site plans, permits, and itemized contractor quotes. Applications are due by January 16, 2026, and awards will be announced in March 2026. All projects must be completed by December 1, 2028, with final reports and invoices submitted by December 15, 2028. The program allows invoicing for actual costs incurred on a monthly or less frequent basis. A 10% de minimis indirect cost rate is allowable. Projects must avoid duplication with other fully fundable grant or loan sources, and expenses such as general outreach unrelated to specific clean water projects or equipment exceeding certain cost thresholds may be ineligible. Applicants are advised to consult the FY23 CWIP Funding Policy and ensure all project types are entered or in process in the Watershed Projects Database. Questions regarding the RFA should be directed to Lina Smith, NRCC Grants and Finance Manager, at lina.smith@vacd.org. The application materials and detailed guidance can be found on the official Vermont conservation website. This grant is not a recurring opportunity and must be submitted within the specified application window.

Ensure alignment with at least one statutory purpose and provide evidence of prioritization; consult the FY23 CWIP Policy for eligibility and documentation requirements.