Water Quality Management Planning Grant

The Section 205(j) Water Quality Planning Grant is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources and funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. The program is designed to support water quality management planning activities at the regional level, with a focus on identifying, assessing, and addressing nonpoint source pollution and other water quality challenges. The grant is part of a broader federal effort to improve water quality through planning, coordination, and implementation strategies led by regional entities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable Regional Councils of Governments and Regional Planning Organizations to carry out water quality planning projects that align with federal and state priorities. These projects may include identifying the causes and sources of water quality impairments, developing watershed restoration plans, conducting assessments and modeling, mapping stormwater infrastructure, and designing best management practices. The program places particular emphasis on the development or update of EPA compliant 9 Element Watershed Restoration Plans and other projects that generate actionable and implementable outputs. Funding for the program is provided on a reimbursement basis and supports both direct and indirect project costs. Eligible expenses include personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual services, and travel necessary to complete the planning work. Indirect costs are limited to a maximum of fifteen percent of direct costs unless the applicant has a federally negotiated rate. While matching funds are not required, they are encouraged as they may strengthen the application. Projects funded under this program may run for a maximum duration of eighteen months, and all work must be completed within the contract period established by the state. Eligibility for the grant is limited to Regional Councils of Governments and Regional Planning Organizations within North Carolina. However, these entities are permitted to partner with public or private organizations to implement project activities. Partnerships are encouraged to leverage technical expertise and local knowledge, but the eligible applicant must serve as the lead entity and be responsible for the submission and administration of the grant. Applicants must demonstrate the qualifications of project staff and partners, including relevant experience with similar water quality planning initiatives. The application process requires submission of a completed application document via email to the program administrator. Applicants must include detailed project descriptions, budgets, timelines, partner information, and supporting documentation such as statements of qualifications and letters of support. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including water quality relevance, clarity of outputs, demonstration of need, and the extent of broader environmental, social, and economic benefits. Additional consideration is given to projects that demonstrate community impact and resilience benefits. The timeline for the funding cycle begins with the release of the request for proposals in late July, followed by a submission deadline in mid September. Applicants may receive follow up questions from reviewers in early October and must respond within a short timeframe. Funding decisions are typically announced in late October, with contracting completed by early November. Projects are expected to begin once contracts are executed, generally around the start of the following calendar year. Selected applicants must adhere to reporting requirements and submit regular progress updates alongside reimbursement requests. For assistance or questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact the designated grant administrator via email or phone. The program operates on an annual cycle, with new funding opportunities released each summer. This recurring structure allows eligible regional entities to plan and prepare proposals that address ongoing and emerging water quality challenges within their jurisdictions.

Be specific about community co-benefits and downstream impacts. Include measurable outputs and identify funding gaps.