Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program

The Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is a federally authorized funding initiative designed to address nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution. IDEM’s Office of Water Quality manages this program as part of its broader Nonpoint Source Management Program, which supports efforts to improve water quality across Indiana’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Nonpoint source pollution, which results from runoff carrying pollutants such as sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants, is identified as a leading cause of water quality impairment in the state. Through Section 319(h) funding, IDEM provides financial and technical support to local and regional entities working to mitigate these impacts through structured and community-driven approaches. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and contribute to measurable improvements in water quality. Eligible project activities include watershed assessments, development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), creation and implementation of watershed management plans (WMPs), and installation of best management practices (BMPs). Additional allowable uses include education and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting behavioral change, as well as demonstration projects showcasing innovative pollution reduction technologies. Projects are expected to align with the Indiana Nonpoint Source Management Plan and support state priorities such as nutrient reduction and protection of impaired or high-value water bodies. Funding is awarded through a competitive process, with approximately 3 million dollars anticipated for the FFY 2027 cycle and an estimated 15 or fewer projects funded. While there is no explicit maximum award amount, applicants are advised to consider the limited funding pool when developing budgets. Projects may span up to four years, though most are typically designed for two to three years. IDEM generally funds up to 60 percent of total project costs, requiring a 40 percent non-federal match, which may be provided as cash or in-kind contributions. For projects focused solely on watershed management plan development, the funding share may increase to 80 percent, reducing the required match to 20 percent. Matching funds must not originate from federal sources. Eligibility for funding includes municipalities, county governments, state and federal agencies, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and watershed development commissions. Applicants must act as project sponsors responsible for implementation and overall project success. Projects must be tied to specific watershed priorities identified by IDEM, including designated hydrologic unit code areas, impaired waterbodies, and regions identified in the state’s nutrient reduction strategy. Innovative projects may also be considered under specific constraints, including a funding cap of 50,000 dollars and a maximum project duration of three years. The application process follows a two-phase structure. Applicants must first submit a Notice of Intent (NOI), which serves as a preliminary description of the proposed project and confirms eligibility. Only applicants with an approved NOI may proceed to submit a full application using the required state form. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, budget information, partnership documentation, and supporting materials as outlined in program guidance. Submissions are evaluated based on completeness, alignment with program priorities, feasibility, demonstrated understanding of watershed issues, and anticipated long-term water quality benefits. The timeline for the FFY 2027 funding cycle includes a Notice of Intent deadline of June 1, 2026, followed by a full application deadline of September 1, 2026. Applications undergo an administrative review for completeness and eligibility before advancing to technical evaluation. IDEM anticipates notifying applicants of results by late October 2026, with project agreements executed later in 2027 and project implementation beginning after final approvals. Throughout the project lifecycle, IDEM provides oversight and technical assistance, including quarterly site visits to ensure progress, compliance, and successful project completion.

Align project with IDEM priority watersheds and nutrient reduction goals; demonstrate strong partnerships and clear watershed understanding; ensure budget is fiscally responsible and tied to measurable outcomes