Clean Water Act Section 205(j) Grants

The Clean Water Act Section 205(j) Grants are administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management through its Office of Water Quality as part of federally authorized funding programs designed to improve water quality across the state. These grants originate from the Clean Water Act, which provides funding to states for water quality management planning activities. The state then allocates these funds to eligible entities to support efforts that identify, analyze, and address water pollution challenges. The program operates alongside the Section 319(h) program, with both serving complementary roles in advancing water quality initiatives. The primary purpose of the Section 205(j) Grants is to support water quality management planning and the development of actionable strategies to address both point and nonpoint source pollution. Funded projects are expected to identify cost-effective and locally acceptable solutions for maintaining and improving water quality standards. This includes determining the nature, extent, and causes of water quality issues and developing implementation plans that secure regulatory and financial commitments from state and local stakeholders. The program emphasizes planning and analysis rather than direct construction or enforcement-related activities. Funding under this program is typically used for projects that gather and map environmental data, assess watershed conditions, and develop watershed management plans. These plans often integrate existing environmental initiatives such as stormwater management, wellhead protection, and total maximum daily load programs. The program also encourages projects that increase engagement from environmental and civic organizations in watershed planning and implementation. Special priority is given to projects addressing impaired waterbodies and those that contribute to ecosystem restoration and protection efforts. Eligible applicants include municipal governments, county governments, regional planning commissions, and other government agencies. Projects must focus on water quality management planning and design, and they must not primarily serve to meet permit requirements, enforcement actions, or agreed orders. Funding is generally considered start-up support, and applicants are typically limited to receiving funding for no more than two phases of similar efforts. Local watershed projects have historically been funded up to eighty thousand dollars, although larger or statewide initiatives may receive higher funding levels. The application and project execution process involves the development of a detailed application package that outlines the scope of work, schedule, and budget. Once approved, projects are administered through formal grant agreements between the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the project sponsor. Each project is assigned a project manager who provides ongoing technical assistance, conducts quarterly site visits, and ensures compliance with grant requirements. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis, typically within four to six weeks after submission of invoices and supporting documentation. Projects generally have a performance period of one to two years. During this time, recipients must adhere to all federal and state guidelines, including requirements for subcontracting, minority and women business enterprise participation, and data management standards. Projects involving environmental data collection must develop and follow a Quality Assurance Project Plan to ensure data reliability and compliance with federal standards. Final reporting and project closeout are required upon completion of all tasks outlined in the grant agreement. Additional information and support are available through direct contact with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.