Water Quality Management Planning Grant

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), through its Division of Water Resources (DWR), has released a request for proposals (RFP) for the FY 2024 Water Quality Planning Grant under Sections 205(j) and 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. This program is specifically targeted at supporting regional water quality management planning initiatives. The funding opportunity is made possible in part by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which has allowed North Carolina to allocate approximately $350,000 in federal fiscal year 2024 for eligible projects. This funding aims to identify cost-effective and locally acceptable solutions for water quality issues and to develop plans for their implementation, especially in underserved or environmentally vulnerable areas of the state. The primary objectives of the 205(j) grant funding are to assist Regional Councils of Governments (COGs) and Regional Planning Organizations in carrying out various types of water quality planning activities. This includes identifying non-point and point source measures for maintaining water quality, devising strategies to secure state and local implementation commitments, and conducting assessments to determine the nature and cause of water quality problems. While only COGs and regional planning bodies are eligible applicants, they are permitted to collaborate with any public or private sector organization to carry out the proposed projects. A wide array of planning efforts are encouraged under this program. Projects may include the development or update of 9-Element watershed restoration plans for hydrologic unit code (HUC) watersheds, source identification studies, design plans for water quality infrastructure, stormwater infrastructure mapping, and intergovernmental planning knowledge-sharing activities. For projects centered on 9-Element plans, DWR assigns a staff advisor to provide quarterly consultation and act as the primary reviewer. A draft of the plan must be submitted at the start of the project’s final quarter, with time allocated for revisions before final approval. Proposals are evaluated on a range of criteria, including their relevance to water quality improvement, the presence of concrete outputs, demonstrated need (especially if not supported by other funding), and the inclusion of co-benefits such as environmental justice and climate resilience. Projects that support historically underserved communities or incorporate climate resilience strategies will receive additional scoring consideration. To identify underserved communities, applicants are encouraged to use DEQ’s Community Mapping System, which evaluates areas by race, ethnicity, and poverty indicators at the census block level. Applicants must download the application form from the Division’s 205(j) Grant Program website and submit the completed Word document by email to Robin.Hoffman@deq.nc.gov. The application must be submitted by midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Reviewers will provide feedback by October 3, 2024, and applicants must respond by October 10, 2024. Notifications of selected applicants will be sent by October 29, 2024. Selected grantees must return completed contracting forms by November 12, 2024. Contracts are expected to be executed by January 1, 2025, which marks the start date for approved projects. All funded work must conclude by June 30, 2026. For additional assistance or questions, applicants may contact Robin Hoffman, Grant Administrator, at 919-707-3643 or by email at Robin.Hoffman@deq.nc.gov. The program provides critical resources to support regional collaboration and innovative planning to safeguard North Carolina’s water quality.