Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program

The Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources is a federally funded initiative designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution and restore impaired water bodies across the state. Funding for this program originates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and is distributed to states to support watershed restoration efforts. North Carolina typically receives approximately one to one and a half million dollars annually, which is then awarded competitively to eligible entities implementing approved watershed restoration plans. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to support projects that directly address nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from agriculture, stormwater, and land use activities, which contribute to the degradation of water quality. Eligible projects must implement management practices aligned with a Division of Water Resources approved watershed restoration plan or an EPA approved Tribal Nonpoint Source Management Program plan. Projects may include activities such as stream restoration, wetland restoration, stormwater control measures, agricultural best management practices, and pollutant load reduction strategies. In addition to restoring impaired waters, the program also allows for projects that protect currently unimpaired waters that may be at risk, although these are considered a lower priority. Funding provided through this grant must be used for on the ground implementation activities that lead to measurable improvements in water quality. The program emphasizes quantifiable outcomes, requiring applicants to estimate reductions in pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Certain activities are explicitly ineligible for funding, including land acquisition, general watershed planning, projects required under regulatory permits, and standalone education or outreach efforts not directly tied to measurable environmental outcomes. Administrative requirements also include compliance with federal procurement standards, Build America Buy America provisions, and accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A key requirement of the program is the provision of non federal matching funds. Applicants must secure a minimum match equal to forty percent of the total project cost, meaning that the grant typically covers up to sixty percent of project expenses. Matching funds may include cash or in kind contributions but must be directly related to the project and cannot originate from federal sources. Tribal applicants may request a waiver or reduction of the match requirement, subject to approval. The strength of the match and demonstrated community commitment are important factors in the evaluation process. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, interstate and intrastate agencies, public and private nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and Tribal entities with an approved nonpoint source management program plan. While individuals and for profit entities cannot apply directly, they may participate as partners or subcontractors. Applicants are expected to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including local governments, conservation districts, and community organizations, to ensure successful implementation and long term sustainability of projects. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal in electronic format by the specified deadline. Applicants may optionally submit a draft proposal or watershed plan by an earlier deadline to receive preliminary feedback from program staff. Final applications must include detailed project descriptions, implementation plans, budgets, match documentation, and evidence of alignment with approved watershed plans. Proposals are evaluated by Division staff and a Nonpoint Source Workgroup based on criteria such as environmental impact, feasibility, cost effectiveness, and community benefits. Selected projects must also receive final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency before contracts are executed. The timeline for the fiscal year cycle begins with the release of the request for proposals in early March, followed by a draft submission deadline in early April and a final application deadline at the end of May. Applicants are notified in late June if they will advance to interviews, which are conducted in July, with final project selections announced shortly thereafter. Contract execution is expected in early the following year, at which point funded projects may begin. This program is offered on an annual basis, with similar timelines anticipated for future funding cycles.

Focus on measurable pollutant reduction outcomes align closely with approved watershed plans secure strong matching funds and site projects near impaired waters for maximum impact