Surface Water Matching Planning Grants

The Surface Water Matching Planning Grants program is administered through the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council in coordination with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The program is funded through a set aside in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Non Federal Administrative Account and is designed to support improved water quality outcomes across Delaware. It specifically targets impaired watersheds and developed landscapes where stormwater and nonpoint source pollution contribute to environmental degradation. The program reflects the state’s broader environmental finance strategy to prepare local governments for infrastructure investment through planning and engineering readiness. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund early stage project development activities that lead to implementable water quality improvements. Allowable uses include planning, feasibility studies, and preliminary engineering for projects such as stormwater retrofits, green infrastructure practices, stream and wetland restoration, watershed studies, and development of drainage or surface water master plans. The funding is not intended for construction but rather to position projects for future financing through the Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund. Up to ten percent of awarded funds may be used for administrative costs, and expenses incurred prior to official authorization are not eligible. Eligibility is limited to Delaware based public entities including counties, municipalities, conservation districts, and estuary programs. These entities must have taxing authority and must demonstrate the ability to provide required matching funds at the time of application. Nonprofits, educational institutions, community groups, and homeowners associations are not eligible to apply independently but may participate as partners. Agricultural operations and private for profit firms are also excluded from direct eligibility. All proposed work must occur within the State of Delaware and align with local comprehensive plans and state policy strategies. The program requires a one to one cash match, meaning applicants must provide funding equal to the grant award amount using federal, state, or local appropriated funds. Matching funds cannot include in kind services. The maximum award per project is fifty thousand dollars, with a cumulative cap of one hundred thousand dollars per county or municipality per fiscal year. Projects must be completed within a two year period following issuance of a purchase order by the Delaware Department of Finance. Insurance requirements and compliance with state engineering and stormwater regulations are also mandatory. Applications are submitted through a structured proposal process that includes a cover sheet, information sheet, detailed scope of work, and supporting documentation. Proposals are evaluated competitively based on criteria including project goals and alignment with program priorities, geographic relevance, cost effectiveness, technical merit, and organizational capacity. Additional preference is given to projects that are likely to proceed to implementation and those that demonstrate collaboration across governmental entities. The review process involves technical evaluation followed by recommendations to the advisory council and final approval by the Secretary of DNREC. For the current funding round, applications are open and must be submitted electronically by August 31, 2026 at 4:30 pm Eastern Time. Late submissions are not considered. Award decisions are expected in October 2026, with notifications provided shortly thereafter. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with informational workshops typically held in January to guide prospective applicants. Interested parties may contact Michael Fleming at DNREC for technical assistance and application support.

Prioritize projects that demonstrate readiness for implementation align with watershed plans and show strong cost effectiveness and technical feasibility