Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant

The Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant is a funding initiative administered by the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) through the Nonpoint Source (NPS) and Basin Team Section. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act amendments of 1987, this program supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution — a leading cause of water quality degradation in Kentucky. The primary objective is to implement practices that mitigate runoff pollution, which originates from diffuse sources such as agricultural fields, urban stormwater, forestry operations, and failing septic systems. These pollutants, including nutrients, sediments, and pathogens, can impair drinking water sources, recreational use, and aquatic habitats. Grants issued under this program support a wide range of eligible activities, including the development and implementation of EPA-approved Watershed Based Plans (WSPs), demonstration of best management practices (BMPs), and targeted education and outreach initiatives. Projects that address impaired or threatened waters, particularly those identified in the Kentucky Integrated Report to Congress, are prioritized. Funding covers up to 60 percent of total project costs, with applicants required to provide a 40 percent nonfederal match. This match must be documented and cannot include other federal funds. Selected applicants will enter into a legal contract with DOW, and project reimbursements are only allowed after contract execution. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of stakeholders, such as local governments, nonprofits, citizen groups, colleges and universities, and state agencies. All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 14, 2025. Upon LOI review, applicants are paired with a Technical Advisor and Basin Coordinator to assist in full application development. The full proposal is significantly more detailed and must include a project summary, objectives, milestones, partner letters of support, and a comprehensive budget. DOW provides technical assistance to ensure completeness and compliance before submission. Completed applications must be submitted by February 13, 2026. Hand-delivered applications are due by 4:30 p.m. ET on that date, while mailed submissions must be postmarked by midnight. Applications are reviewed and ranked based on a well-defined set of evaluation criteria that emphasize partnerships, sustainability, and environmental impact. Selected projects are notified around April, and contracts are anticipated to start in October following EPA fund receipt in September. Projects must be implemented within a reasonable timeframe and demonstrate tangible outcomes in NPS pollution reduction. Sustainability beyond the grant period is encouraged, and long-term partnerships are seen as key to success. Resources including sample contracts, application guidance, and ranking criteria are available through DOW’s official channels. For support, applicants may contact NPS staff or their designated Basin Coordinator. Full grant documentation is publicly available at the Kentucky Division of Water website.

Partner with local stakeholders early; projects that demonstrate partnerships and sustainability score highest; avoid duplication with other submissions; applications must be complete and accurate as they become contract content.