Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Grants

The Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), utilizing funds provided through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program targets nonpoint source (NPS) pollution throughout Pennsylvania, supporting the implementation of Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) with the goal of restoring and protecting water quality in impaired watersheds. The initiative places strong emphasis on activities such as stream restoration, bank stabilization, stormwater management, riparian buffer installation, and agricultural best management practices (BMPs). A total of 53 percent of Pennsylvania’s impaired waterways are currently affected by NPS pollution from various sources including agriculture, acid mine drainage, stormwater runoff, and earthmoving. The purpose of this funding is to support projects that align with Pennsylvania’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan and WIPs. Funded projects must address pollutant load reductions, especially of iron, aluminum, acidity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Eligible projects include BMP design, permitting, and construction, as well as revisions of WIPs that are at least eight years old. Regional or statewide projects addressing NPS pollution may also be considered if funds remain. Projects in high-priority subwatersheds or certified Pennsylvania Agriculture Conservation Stewardship Program farms are prioritized, as are those that align with climate resilience strategies from the 2021 Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan. Applications must be submitted through the Pennsylvania Commonwealth's eGrants system between April 22 and June 20, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. The grant implementation period is expected to run from October 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. A required workplan must accompany each application, addressing project context, goals, monitoring strategies, deliverables, and budget. For agricultural BMP projects, landowner agreements are necessary before construction begins, with flexibility to adjust project sites post-award. Additionally, prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon Act requirements may apply for construction projects. Projects on public lands require formal commitment letters from relevant agencies such as the DCNR or the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Eligible applicants include incorporated watershed associations, counties, municipalities, conservation districts, councils of governments, educational institutions, municipal authorities, and certain tax-exempt nonprofits registered with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Applications from ineligible sponsors will not be reviewed. Although there is no formal match requirement, matched funding is strongly encouraged and will enhance competitiveness. The program prohibits funding for projects intended to meet MS4 or CAFO permit obligations, those outside Pennsylvania, and BMPs that require annual maintenance. All applications must provide detailed load reduction estimates, adherence to the EPA’s nine-element watershed planning framework, and, if applicable, AMDTreat modeling for AMD projects. Evaluation will be based on completeness, environmental benefit, alignment with WIPs, and competitiveness, with final selections reviewed and approved by EPA following DEP’s internal pre-selection. Contacts for application assistance include the DEP Watershed Support Section at RA-EP319GrantFunding@pa.gov and the eGrants Help Desk at egrantshelp@pa.gov or 833-448-0647.