Class A Neighborhood Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program

The Class A Neighborhood Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG), specifically administered by the Division of Water Quality within the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works. The program, supported through the Water Quality Management Fee (WQMF), aims to promote innovative, community-led projects that address surface water quality issues within Fayette County. The underlying objective is to reduce stormwater runoff, mitigate flooding, enhance water quality in impaired streams, and educate the public on responsible environmental practices. These efforts contribute to broader municipal compliance with water quality mandates and EPA-approved pollutant reduction plans, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for E. coli. The program is open to incorporated neighborhood, homeowner, and community associations within Fayette County that represent Class A parcels—single-family or duplex residences and farms. To qualify, associations must be incorporated with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and have an elected officer roster. Projects must be non-profit in nature, demonstrate lasting public benefit, and align with at least one core objective: pollutant reduction, public involvement, public education, or stormwater management. The FY 2027 funding cycle (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) allocates a total of $285,286.36, including a $45,000 earmark for feasibility-only projects. Award ceilings are set at $120,000 per project, with a mandatory 20% cost share by the applicant, which may be provided through cash or in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours or donated services. Eligible project types include stream cleaning, storm drain marking, tree planting along waterways, rain garden installation, rain barrel distribution, and public education through brochures or seminars. Innovative or experimental proposals are encouraged and may be considered for separate Innovation, Experimentation, and Research (IER) pool funds totaling $156,800 across grant classes. Projects involving infrastructure modifications or those near water bodies may require additional permits and must include a qualified engineer or landscape architect licensed in Kentucky. Rain barrels cannot be the sole project element, and hard armoring or dredging of ponds is not eligible. Applications must be submitted online or in hard copy by May 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The application package must include a completed form, a detailed project plan, a budget proposal with cost-share details, and—if applicable—a map of project proximity to the Royal Spring Aquifer. Projects involving third-party property or easements must include stakeholder recommendation letters. A signed Grant Award Agreement will outline eligible expenses and terms. Grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, with quarterly reporting and a final project report due 30 days after project completion. Projects will be reviewed based on a weighted scoring rubric that evaluates impact (up to 70 points), team qualifications (up to 20 points), and budget clarity (up to 10 points). Additional points may be awarded for targeting E. coli pollution, impaired stream restoration, or supporting watershed management plans. New applicants and those proposing sustainable educational components are given preference. Contacts for the grant program include Frank H. Mabson Jr. (Program Manager Sr.) and Denice Bullock (Administrative Specialist Principal). Applicants may book 30-minute virtual consultations for support prior to submission.

Preference for projects addressing E. coli or impaired streams; new applicants favored; strong project plans and measurable impacts score higher.