DEEP Notice of Funding Opportunity for Grants under Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act
General Eligibility and Focus
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) 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), which can be passed onto municipalities, communities, local conservation groups, and many other organizations for NPS management efforts within Connecticut. Applications 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 addressing 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 improvement, 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, applications that provide stormwater mitigation above and beyond permit requirements may be considered.
Approximately $1.1M in grant funds will be available, with many past projects often awarded between $150k - $350k, however, smaller or larger awards are feasible. This includes proposals that build off ongoing projects, such as those that incorporate green stormwater infrastructure 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 application
FY26 applications must be submitted to DEEP by March 26, 2026. Applications should be submitted by email to DEEP.Watershed@ct.gov. Notification of grant awards can be expected by Fall 2026.
Non-federal Matching Funds
EPA requires a 40% match from non-federal sources for the Section 319 NPS Grant. Applicants are encouraged to offer any level of match in their application with a goal of 40% match from non-federal sources. Applicants that cannot achieve match should contact DEEP.Watershed@ct.gov well in advance of the NOFO deadline to discuss options. Applications that include financial or in-kind contributions will be recognized in the competitive review process.
Note: Non-federal source match is calculated from the total project cost which is:
[grant request $] + [match $ as percent of total project cost $] = [total project cost $]
OR using the grant amount requested, here is the calculation of 40% match:
([grant request $]/0.6)*0.4 = [match $]
Project Priorities for FY26
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 (WBP) Development
WBP development is encouraged for waters prioritized in the DEEP Integrated Water Planning Management, however DEEP is also encouraging new plans for any watershed lacking a WBP in Connecticut. DEEP may consider WBP development for addressing a small-scale water quality problem, or for enhancing or promoting high quality waters.
WBPs often identify strategies to address common NPS pollutants such as: bacteria, nutrients, sediment, salt, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and debris. An application for WBP development 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
NPS projects may have elements that also address CT DEEP’s natural hazard adaptation goals. Natural hazards may include longer droughts, water supply shortages, wildfires, 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. Applicants should state how these elements will be considered.
Advancing the Connecticut NPS Management Program Plan
The Connecticut NPS Management Program Plan is the guiding document for NPS work for the state of Connecticut. Applicants may consider identifying if their project will advance milestone(s) outlined in the plan. Topics covered by milestones include but are not limited to: dam removal, riparian planting, outreach/education on nuisance wildlife and pet waste management, active waterbody restoration, projects that demonstrate leverage various funding sources and development of WBPs.
Contact Us
Questions
Any questions can be directed to DEEP.watershed@ct.gov
Water Quality Planning Information by Email
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Content Last Updated February 2, 2026