Water Resources Development Grant - Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund

The Water Resources Development Grant Program Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality through its Division of Water Resources. The program operates under statutory authority provided by state legislation and is designed to support local governments in maintaining navigable waterways. Its primary focus is to ensure that shallow draft navigation channels located within state waters, including lakes, remain safe and accessible for general and recreational navigation. The fund reflects a broader state commitment to sustaining water-based transportation routes and supporting local economies that depend on navigable waterways. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance for dredging activities that preserve or restore navigation channels. Funding is specifically intended to cover the state’s share of eligible dredging costs. Projects must prioritize navigation outcomes, and any additional benefits, such as the placement of dredged material for shoreline or beach enhancement, must remain secondary. The program explicitly excludes projects focused on private access, such as dredging near private docks, piers, or ship berths. This ensures that funded efforts provide broad public benefit rather than serving limited private interests. Funding is structured as a cost share between the state and local governments. The standard requirement mandates that for every three dollars provided by the state, at least one non state dollar must be contributed by the project sponsor. However, exceptions exist for specific cases, such as ferry channels maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation located in designated development tier one areas, where no local cost share is required. The program also establishes strict limitations on allowable costs. Ineligible expenses include indirect administrative costs, legal fees, salaries of elected officials, and the purchase of dredging equipment. Only expenditures incurred within the approved contract period are eligible for reimbursement. Eligibility for the program is limited to units of local government, which serve as project sponsors. These entities must assume full responsibility for project execution, including securing all required environmental permits, complying with procurement laws, and overseeing construction activities. Applicants must also commit to long term maintenance of the completed project and ensure public access where applicable. A formal resolution adopted by the governing body is required as part of the application, affirming these responsibilities and the requested level of state assistance. The application process requires submission of a detailed project package via email to the designated program coordinator. Required components include a completed application spreadsheet, project plans and location maps, an official resolution, a conflict of interest policy, and certification of no overdue tax debts. Additional supporting documentation, such as reports or letters of support, may also be included. Applications are considered accepted once confirmation is received from the program administrator. Accuracy and completeness are critical, as errors may delay or prevent funding consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for navigation projects, allowing flexibility for local governments to apply as needs arise. Submitted applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria, including economic, social, and environmental benefits, regional impact, financial capacity of the applicant, environmental considerations, and benefits to state owned properties. Approved projects require execution of a formal grant contract before any work or expenditures can begin. Reimbursements are typically provided at a rate of seventy five percent of eligible costs, with a portion retained until project completion and inspection. Following award, project sponsors must adhere to strict compliance and reporting requirements. This includes submitting reimbursement requests with detailed documentation, obtaining prior approval for any changes to project scope or budget, and completing all environmental permitting obligations. Upon project completion, sponsors must provide final documentation and may undergo a close out inspection to verify compliance with approved plans. The program allows for extension requests and additional funding requests under specific conditions, but all such modifications require formal approval. Overall, the program is designed to ensure responsible use of public funds while maintaining critical water navigation infrastructure across the state.

Ensure application accuracy and completeness since errors may delay or prevent funding; prioritize navigation benefits over secondary outcomes; secure all permits early to avoid funding delays; strictly follow budget and scope requirements