Water Pollution Control State, Interstate, and Tribal Program Support
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To assist States (including territories and the District of Columbia), Indian Tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e), and interstate agencies in establishing and maintaining adequate measures for prevention and control of surface and ground water pollution from both point and nonpoint sources. States and Tribes will continue to focus on fulfilling their basic responsibilities under the CWA Section 106 funded programs, such as: (1) implementing monitoring strategies and the statistically-valid surveys to determine water quality status and trends; (2) fostering a watershed approach, including total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and watershed plans designed to meet water quality standards; (3) implementing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting programs; and 4) States and Tribes will continue adopting updated water quality standards that support designated uses and completing triennial reviews on time. States NPDES Programs will continue to: (1) ensure the integrity of the program; (2) achieve and measure environmental results; and (3) incorporate efficiencies in permitting program operations. States will also conduct source water protection actions to protect both ground water and surface waters used for drinking water. Tribes will continue to conduct watershed assessments and will maintain and improve their capacity to implement water quality programs through monitoring, assessments, planning, data management and standards development.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. Territory Government
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- U.S. State Government
- Interstate Organization
Eligible entities include States (including the District of Columbia and territories), interstate water pollution control agencies as defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Indian tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e). Requirements of the program are based on Section 106 of the Clean Water Act, 2 CFR 200 and 1500 as applicable, and 40 CFR Parts 35 and 130.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Issuing office will provide location of application procedure details as appropriate.”
Award Procedure
EPA will conduct an administrative evaluation to determine the adequacy of the application in relation to grant regulations and to technical and program evaluation to determine the merit and relevance of the project. The Agency will then advise the applicant if funding is being considered. A final work plan will then be negotiated with the applicant.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance
Description
To assist States, including territories and, the District of Columbia, Indian Tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e), and interstate agencies in establishing and maintaining adequate measures for prevention and control of surface and ground water pollution from both point and nonpoint sources.
Mission Categories
Primary: Water Pollution Control
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Water pollution control grants are intended to provide continuing support for the prevention and abatement of surface and ground water pollution from point and nonpoint sources. Continuing and recurrent water quality management program activities funded include water quality planning and standards; monitoring and assessments; inspections and enforcement; permitting; training; advice and assistance to local agencies; and public information. Funds cannot be used for construction, operation, or maintenance of waste treatment plants, nor can they be used for costs financed by other Federal grants. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: Geospatial Resources at EPA.
Required Documentation
State and interstate agencies and Indian tribes qualified under Section 518(e) of the Clean Water Act must show compliance with 40 CFR 35, Subpart A and Subpart B.
Matching Requirements
EPA allocates funds based on formulas contained in regulations and program guidance. For State and Interstate programs, the regulation that implements the formula can be found at 40 CFR 35.162. As stated in the Clean Water Act, appropriated funds are allotted among the State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Agencies on the basis of the extent of the pollution problems in the respective States. The six components in the Section 106 State allotment formula selected to reflect the extent of the water pollution control problems in the United States are: (1) surface water area; (2) ground water use; (3) water quality impairment; (4) point sources; (5) non-point sources; and (6) population of urbanized areas. The set-aside for Interstate Water Pollution Control Agencies is 2.6 percent of the total State monies appropriated under Section 106. The interstate allotment formula consists of two parts: (1) a funding floor, and (2) a variable portion. Approximately $18.5 million is set aside annually for the Monitoring Initiative. The Monitoring Initiative funds are allotted using a separate allocation formula that targets funds to enhance state monitoring strategies and develop statistically valid national reports on water condition. Approximately $10 million is provided annually to enhance monitoring programs. A portion of these funds are provided to interstates and Tribes. Additionally, EPA, states and other partners collaborate to design the National Aquatic Resource Surveys, which cover the continental United States. Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories are not included in the National Aquatic Resource Surveys but receive some of this funding for state statistical survey projects. A portion of the annual Section 106 appropriation is set-aside for eligible Indian Tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e), and an allocation formula is used to distribute these funds to the EPA Regions. The Tribal allocation formula consists of both a base portion (which is currently equal to approximately $68,000 times the total number of Tribes with Treatment in a manner similar to a State [TAS] approval for Section 106 grants in each EPA Region), plus a weighted variable portion. The variable portion is based upon the total tribal water area (50 percent), land area (25 percent), and reservation population (25 percent) in each EPA Region. Tribal work plan costs include the costs of planning, developing, establishing, improving, and maintaining a water pollution control program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
This program does not have a statutory formula. However, EPA allocates funds based on formulas contained in regulations and program guidance. For State and Interstate programs the regulation that implements the formula can be found at 40 CFR 35.162. As stated in the Clean Water Act, appropriated funds are allotted among the State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Agencies on the basis of the extent of the pollution problems in the respective States. The six components in the Section 106 State allotment formula selected to reflect the extent of the water pollution control problems in the United States are: (1) surface water area; (2) ground water use; (3) water quality impairment; (4) point sources; (5) non-point sources; and (6) population of urbanized areas. The set-aside for Interstate Water Pollution Control Agencies is 2.6 percent of the total State monies appropriated under Section 106. The interstate allotment formula consists of two parts: (1) a funding floor, and (2) a variable portion. A portion of the annual Section 106 appropriation is set-aside for eligible Indian Tribes qualified under CWA Section 518(e), and an allocation formula is used to distribute these funds to the EPA Regions. The Tribal allocation formula consists of both a base portion (which is currently equal to approximately $70,000 times the total number of Tribes with Treatment in a manner similar to a State [TAS] approval for Section 106 grants in each EPA Region), plus a weighted variable portion. The variable portion is based upon the total tribal water area (50 percent), land area (25 percent), and reservation population (25 percent) in each EPA Region. Tribal work plan costs include the costs of planning, developing, establishing, improving, and maintaining a water pollution control program.