Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants

To assist States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (hereinafter referred to as States), and qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia in implementing EPA-approved Section 319 nonpoint source management programs. EPA's awards grants that implement a grant recipient's nonpoint source management program plan, particularly the development and implementation of watershed-based plans, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources, which result in improved water quality in impaired waters. These watershed plans are a mechanism to coordinate monitoring and planning on a watershed basis and will build a foundation for effective implementation actions using federal and other funding. Nonpoint source implementation projects include best management practice (BMP) installation for animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control, a variety of other structural and non-structural practices, watershed planning, monitoring, watershed coordinators, technology demonstration, and a variety of education/outreach programs, among others.

Eligible entities include States and qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia who have approved nonpoint source assessment reports and management plans. To be qualified, Tribes must have treatment in a manner similar to a state (TAS) status for the 319 Program. Grants to States are awarded by formula. The State allotment is awarded to the agency in each State designated by the chief executive as the lead nonpoint source agency. The lead nonpoint source agency may distribute grant funds to other organizations in accordance with its work program, which is approved by EPA. Eligible Tribes are allocated a base allotment by formula; the remaining Tribal portion of the 319(h) appropriation is competed among qualified Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia.

For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

State and local governments; interstate and intrastate agencies; federally recognized Indian tribal governments; intertribal consortia; the following US territory or possessions: the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands; public and private nonprofit organizations and institutions. The lead nonpoint source agency may distribute grant funds to other organizations in accordance with a work program which is approved by EPA.

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

Grant applications must be submitted by the State to the appropriate EPA Regional Office to determine the overall adequacy of the application to meet the statutory objectives. Funds are awarded to States by formula. Award procedure by States to subgrantees varies by State. The list of State nonpoint source contacts is available at https://www.epa.gov/nps/contacts-nonpoint-source-nps-pollution-programs. Eligible Tribes receive funding for a base grant work plan; Tribes may also compete for the rest of the tribal portion of the total 319(h) appropriation. For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the NOFO. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements. For non-competitive awards made under this assistance listing, 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.

EPA generally awards grants to States within 60 days after the application is submitted.