Nonpoint Source Grant Program

The Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant Program administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources, provides funding for projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint source pollution. This program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act and is implemented at the state level to support watershed-based restoration efforts. The program focuses on improving water quality in impaired waterbodies and, in some cases, protecting waters that are at risk of degradation. The primary purpose of the grant is to support on-the-ground implementation of watershed restoration plans that meet federal requirements, specifically those incorporating the nine elements required by the EPA for watershed-based plans. Projects must target waterbodies identified as impaired due to nonpoint source pollution, such as nutrient runoff, sedimentation, or stormwater impacts. In addition to restoration, the program also considers projects that protect currently unimpaired waters if a compelling case is made. Eligible project activities include stormwater management, agricultural best management practices, riparian and wetland restoration, and stream restoration using natural channel design methods. Funding is provided on a competitive basis, with North Carolina expecting approximately $1.5 million in total program funding for the fiscal year. While there is no formal maximum award cap, most funded projects historically range between approximately $50,000 and $300,000. Funding is contingent upon federal appropriations and subject to approval by both the state agency and the EPA. Awards may be fully or partially funded, and proposals may be declined at the discretion of the Division of Water Resources. Applicants are required to provide a non-federal match of at least 40 percent of total project costs. Matching funds may be provided through cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources, including state, local, nonprofit, or private partners. Federal funds may not be used to meet the match requirement. Matching contributions must be directly related to the project and properly documented. Tribal applicants may request a partial or full waiver of the match requirement, subject to approval. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, interstate and intrastate agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and Tribal entities with an approved EPA nonpoint source management program. Individuals and for-profit entities without nonprofit status are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as subcontractors or partners. All proposed projects must align with an approved watershed restoration plan or an approved alternative plan and demonstrate measurable water quality improvements. Applications are submitted electronically in Word format to the Division of Water Resources. The request for proposals was released on March 9, 2026, and applications are accepted until May 29, 2026. Applicants may submit draft proposals by April 6, 2026, for preliminary review. Following submission, proposals are evaluated by agency staff and a nonpoint source workgroup. Selected applicants are notified by late June and may be invited to participate in interviews before final selections are announced in July. Projects are expected to begin after contract execution, which is anticipated in early 2027, depending on federal funding timelines. Evaluation criteria emphasize measurable environmental outcomes, alignment with watershed plans, and the ability to reduce pollutant loads. Projects must include documentation of long-term operation and maintenance, typically for at least five years. Additional considerations include community engagement, co-benefits such as environmental and social improvements, and the feasibility of implementation. Selected projects are subject to EPA approval and must comply with federal grant requirements, including procurement standards, reporting obligations, and quality assurance protocols where applicable. For additional information or questions, applicants may contact the program administrator at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Guidance documents, application materials, and supporting resources are available through the program’s official website, including access to watershed planning tools and EPA grant guidelines.

Prioritize projects that directly address identified nonpoint source impairments, are located close to the impaired reach, show measurable pollutant reductions, and demonstrate clear implementation readiness, sustainable operation and maintenance, and strong non-federal match support.