Grants under Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act
General Eligibility and Focus
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) annually announces a request proposals for the Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program. Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act is a grant program to address NPS water pollution. DEEP receives these funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can be passed onto municipalities, communities, local conservation groups, and many other organizations for NPS implementation projects, plans, and statewide NPS management efforts within Connecticut. Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization (award recipients must be registered with the CT Secretary of State).
EPA defines NPS pollution as pollution that is “caused by diffuse sources that are not regulated as point sources and are normally associated with land use and runoff from the land.” Common NPS pollutants include: bacteria, nutrients, sediment, salt, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and debris. These pollutants are typically carried by stormwater runoff into streams, lakes, and estuaries from diffuse land use and other activities that are not regulated as point source discharges (“end of pipe”).
Projects which address nutrients, bacteria and sediment are a key focus of the Connecticut NPS Management Program. Examples of implementation projects may include but are not limited to: habitat improvements, dam removal, enhanced stormwater runoff management, and improved agricultural practices. Projects intended to meet mandated requirements of stormwater permits are not eligible for Section 319 grants. However, proposals that provide stormwater mitigation above and beyond permit requirements may be considered.
Approximately $1.2M in grant funds will be available for FY25 awards, with many past projects often awarded between $150k - $350k, however, smaller or larger awards are feasible. DEEP seeks to fund larger, contiguous projects rather than funding many smaller, unrelated projects. This includes Projects that build off ongoing projects, such as those that incorporate low impact development into other capital programs.
Application Details
Examples of previously funded projects
The application for the Section 319 NPS Grant Program is linked here:
DEEP Section 319 Grant DEEP Section 319 Grant application
The deadline for Fiscal Year 25 (FY25) was February 25, 2025. Notification of awarded grant funds can be expected by Fall 2025.
Non-federal Matching Funds
Demonstrating match from non-federal sources is an important component for the Section 319 NPS Grant program and EPA requires a 40% match for each award. Applications that include financial or in-kind contributions will demonstrate a commitment to the project that is considered by DEEP and recognized in the competitive review process.
Applicants should demonstrate a goal of 40% match from non-federal sources in their application. Applicants that cannot achieve this match should discuss potential options with us, please contact DEEP.Watershed@ct.gov well in advance of the RFP deadline.
Note: Non-federal match is calculated from the total project cost which first must be calculated using the grant amount requested. For example, if an applicant was requesting $150,000 from Section 319 grant funds, which accounts for 60% of total project cost, and providing 40% match, it would be calculated as:
[grant amount requested] + [percent match of total project cost] = [total project cost], so
$150,000 + 40% of the total project cost = total project cost, or
$150,000 + [total project cost x 0.4] = [$150,000 / 0.6], so
$150,000 + [$250,000 x 0.4] = $250,000, so
$150,000 + $100,000 = $250,000, therefore
40% match for $150,000 in requested funds is $100,000
Project Priorities for FY25
Watershed Based Plan Implementation Projects
Implementation projects in watersheds that have approved Watershed Based Plans (WBP) or applicable alternative watershed plan which led to targeted pollutant load reductions and/or restoring impaired waters, or protecting unimpaired waters will continue to be prioritized. Implementation projects should have a clear connection to the management goals and objectives of the WBP and show progress towards attaining water quality goals.
Watershed Based Plan Development
DEEP will focus on WBP development for waters which are prioritized in the DEEP Integrated Water Planning Management (IWPM, previously IWRM). WBP development is considered an Action Plan in the IWPM strategy. DEEP may consider WBP development for other impaired waters or for an impairment not specific to a pollutant, or when addressing a small-scale water quality problem, or for enhancing or promoting high quality waters (see Watershed Based Plans). Common NPS pollutants include: bacteria, nutrients, sediment, salt, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and debris.
A WBP proposal should expect to address at minimum nutrients, bacteria and sediment within the watershed. The WBP should consider BMPs and measures that can be adapted and have built-in flexibility to scale implementation efforts as conditions change in order to achieve or maintain water quality standards under future conditions.
Natural Hazards
The Section 319 NPS Grant program is committed to the CT DEEP and US EPA initiatives to advance natural hazard adaptation goals through NPS solutions. Natural hazards may include longer droughts, water supply shortages, wildfires, frequent and more intense storms, flooding, and high sea levels, which all have broader effects on the NPS program. CT DEEP will prioritize projects that incorporate best management practices (BMPs) to help mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, and encourages BMPs that are designed to adapt to changes in conditions. Planning should state how these elements will be considered.
Other Details
Questions
Any questions can be directed to DEEP.watershed@ct.gov
Project Stakeholders
DEEP encourages the applicant/grantee to work with local communities, groups, property owners and/or municipalities in all aspects of the proposal/project. Local knowledge and assistance can be invaluable to achieving overall project success as well as future implementation opportunities. It is recommended the applicant/grantee consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or similar agreement to ensure commitment from all or specific project partners.
Grant Agreement
DEEP will notify the selected grantees after receiving grant approval from EPA, which is typically the fall after the RFP has closed. The grantee should account for the ample time needed to develop and approve the grant agreement (contract) when planning the project timeline. Any project work cannot be paid until a signed grant agreement is established.
Project Duration
DEEP will generally limit the project duration to a two-year contract period (longer terms for completion of larger, more complex projects would be at the discretion of DEEP). DEEP recommends that applicants examine their needs for permits and other factors that may cause delays as early as possible. Funding for projects that are not promptly initiated or fall substantially behind schedule may be considered for reprogramming to other Section 319 priority projects.
Water Quality Planning Information by Email
To receive Water Quality Planning Information by email, you must subscribe to the Water Quality Planning Listserv email.
To subscribe to the Listserv:
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If you experience difficulty in subscribing or unsubscribing to the Water Quality Planning Listserv, please contact DEEP.watershed@ct.gov.