Geographic Programs – Lake Pontchartrain Basic Restoration Program (PRP)

The purpose of the Clean Water Act Section 121 (33 U.S.C. 1273) Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program (PRP) is to restore the ecological health of the Basin by developing and funding restoration projects and related scientific and public education projects. EPA will invest PRP funds to maintain, protect and restore the water quality of the Basin through the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP), formally known as the Comprehensive Management Plan. Under the CWA Section 121, the Base program will receive approximately $2.2 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Program has received approximately $10.1 million per year in project funds for FYs 2022- 2026. Both Base and IIJA funding prioritize the improvement of Lake Pontchartrain’s environmental health.

Federal, state, interstate, local governments, Tribal governments (must be federally-recognized), regional water pollution control agencies and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, and organizations; and public and private institutions of higher education are eligible. Private profit-making entities, and individuals are not eligible. Eligible subaward grantees may be located outside of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Watershed, but projects must be located inside the Basin.

Direct beneficiaries of this program include the residents and visitors to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Watershed.

Issuing office will provide location of application procedure details as appropriate.

Each federal assistance application and final grant and subaward project workplan will be evaluated by EPA to determine the adequacy of the application under PRP priorities and objectives, including technical merit and relevance of the project to the implementation of the CMP. The federal assistance award application will also be subject to an administrative review by the EPA Region 6 grants management office. Funds are awarded by the EPA Region 6 Administrator. Grantees will receive a final assistance award package from the EPA Region 6 grants management office. An assistance agreement recipient demonstrates its commitment to carry out the award by either: 1) drawing down funds within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date; or, 2) not filing a notice of disagreement with the award terms and conditions within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date. Recipients are not required to sign and return a copy of the award document.

Grants are awarded approximately 60 – 90 days of receipt of a complete application.