Transboundary Watershed Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 Transboundary Watershed Grants program aims to assist state, local, and Tribal governments in addressing transboundary mining pollution in watersheds shared between the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada. The primary goal is to monitor, assess, document, and reduce pollution impacts from mining activities originating in British Columbia that affect U.S. waters in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The program emphasizes fostering collaboration between federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to develop effective transboundary watershed management programs. This funding opportunity focuses on projects that address at least one core element: monitoring and assessing baseline water conditions, evaluating human and ecosystem health impacts, participating in regulatory processes in Canada and British Columbia, engaging in international watershed policy discussions, and implementing regulations related to mining pollution. Eligible activities include developing studies on pollutant risks, assessing water quality, participating in intergovernmental meetings, hosting workshops, and reviewing regulatory processes and mine reclamation plans. The program is divided into three tracks based on geographic focus: Track One addresses watersheds in Montana and Idaho, Track Two focuses on Washington, and Track Three targets Alaska. Each track will have up to $600,000 in funding, with total anticipated funding of $1.8 million. Individual awards are expected to range from $50,000 to $600,000, with project durations spanning one to six years. Awards may be incrementally funded, subject to available appropriations. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes, intertribal consortia, state governments, and local governments. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed projects will contribute to developing or refining transboundary watershed programs. Only one application per track is allowed per applicant. Activities such as land purchases, stormwater treatment construction, and vehicle purchases are ineligible. Applications will be evaluated based on project need, clarity of tasks, milestone schedules, budget reasonableness, anticipated outputs and outcomes, and demonstrated programmatic capability. Effective partnerships and the ability to ensure timely expenditure of funds are also key evaluation criteria. Outputs may include water quality assessments, development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and hosting of international watershed meetings. Expected outcomes include improved water quality, better regulatory frameworks, and enhanced collaboration among watershed stakeholders. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 17, 2025, with an informational webinar scheduled for December 3, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by March 2025, and awards are anticipated by June 2025. Compliance with federal regulations, including the Fly America Act for international travel, is mandatory. Recipients are also required to report water quality data through the Water Quality Exchange (WQX) system and meet specific reporting requirements outlined in the grant agreement.