Nonpoint Source Program Grant

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), through its Water Quality Control Division (WQCD), is soliciting applications for funding under the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program. This program aligns with Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act and is designed to support projects aimed at restoring and protecting waterbodies impacted by nonpoint source pollution. The available funding for this opportunity derives from federal sources administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and includes the potential for additional support from the state-level Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF). This grant initiative targets two major project categories: Watershed-Based Plan (WBP) Projects and Watershed Implementation Projects. WBP Projects may involve either the development of new plans or the updating of existing ones, with emphasis placed on those that follow the EPA’s Nine Element criteria. Typical budgets range from $50,000 to $150,000. Implementation Projects may include structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as pond lining, riparian fencing, and outreach activities, with budgets generally ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. Total anticipated funding under this RFA includes approximately $130,000 for WBP efforts and $1,000,000 for implementation efforts. All proposed projects must meet several eligibility factors to be considered. These include demonstration of nonpoint source pollution mitigation, a minimum 35% non-federal match of total project costs, and inclusion of an educational or outreach component. Projects must not overlap with existing discharge permit mandates and must demonstrate readiness to operate under a cost reimbursement model. Applications that address priority basins—such as the South Platte, Laramie, Republican, and Smoky Hill River Basins—may receive additional scoring weight. Applicants must submit a completed package that includes a signed project application (Attachment A or B), a detailed budget spreadsheet (Attachment C), and a Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Attachment D). Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 PM MST on December 5, 2025, either by mail or electronically. Email submissions will receive delivery confirmation. Evaluation of applications will begin after the submission deadline, with selected projects expected to start in Spring 2027. Final funding decisions will be made by the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) following a public notice and hearing period. Projects chosen for funding must submit a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) for EPA approval before contract execution. All deliverables must be completed by January 2031. This opportunity recurs annually, with the next application cycle expected in October 2026.

Projects aligned with Regulation 38 basins gain scoring advantage; ensure clarity in outreach and match