Puget Sound National Estuary Program - Stormwater Strategic Initiative

The Puget Sound National Estuary Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative Grants are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act Section 320 program. The National Estuary Program was established by Congress in 1987 to protect and restore estuaries of national significance. Within Puget Sound, this initiative focuses specifically on reducing stormwater pollution, which is a major contributor to water quality degradation, ecosystem harm, and risks to human health. This funding program operates as part of a broader federal-state partnership involving the Environmental Protection Agency, the Puget Sound Partnership, and the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead team develops annual investment plans that guide funding priorities, based on regional recovery goals outlined in the Puget Sound Action Agenda. These plans identify priority actions and direct competitive funding opportunities through targeted request for proposals processes. The program provides funding for a wide range of stormwater-related projects aimed at improving water quality and supporting ecosystem recovery. Eligible activities vary depending on each specific solicitation but generally include stormwater management planning, water quality monitoring, public education and outreach, research on contaminants, best management practice development, and nonpoint source pollution reduction efforts. According to the funding guidelines document, eligible project categories include stormwater facility planning and design, watershed planning, monitoring programs, and public engagement initiatives designed to reduce pollution impacts. Funding is awarded through competitive solicitations announced periodically via the Puget Sound Estuary Program website. Each solicitation outlines specific eligibility requirements, funding limits, and evaluation criteria. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with investment priorities, technical merit, environmental impact, and readiness to implement. The evaluation process includes completeness screening, scoring by a technical review team, and final funding decisions informed by advisory teams and program leadership. The total annual funding available for the Stormwater Strategic Initiative is approximately $8 million, though individual award amounts vary depending on the specific solicitation and project scope. The program does not require matching funds from applicants. Funded projects typically operate under formal grant agreements administered through the Department of Ecology’s grant management system, which requires regular reporting, reimbursement-based payments, and compliance with state and federal administrative requirements. Eligible applicants include federal and state agencies, local governments, tribal entities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. Applicants must respond to specific request for proposals announcements and follow detailed submission instructions provided in each solicitation. Applications were not being accepted at the time of the latest program update, and future funding opportunities are expected to be announced through recurring competitive cycles aligned with annual investment planning. The program includes extensive oversight and reporting requirements. Grant recipients must submit progress reports, comply with environmental monitoring standards, and adhere to federal requirements such as data reporting and transparency rules. The Department of Ecology provides technical assistance and coordinates project implementation, ensuring that funded activities contribute effectively to long-term Puget Sound recovery goals.

Align proposals with Investment Plan priorities, demonstrate strong environmental outcomes, and address climate change and environmental justice considerations