EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 319 grants help communities reduce water pollution caused by runoff from streets, fields, and other sources. These grants fund projects that improve flood resilience and clean up polluted waters. States and communities can use this funding to make measurable improvements in water quality through watershed-scale plans and projects.

	Allows in-kind services to contribute toward nonfederal cost share requirements
	Supports nature-based solutions

Application cycle: Varies by state. Local governments should contact their state NPS coordinator for more information on specific application deadlines.

Summary: The EPA provides grant funding that communities can access for technical and financial assistance to control nonpoint sources of water pollution, which can result from flooding or existing drainage problems. Water quality issues from nonpoint source pollution are caused when runoff from rainfall or snowmelt carries natural and human-made pollutants to lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, or ground waters. This is a program supported by EPA and accessed through state environmental agencies such as a department of environmental quality.

Eligible applicants: State, local, and tribal governments, including agencies; nonprofit organizations; and academic institutions.

Eligible activities: Development of watershed plans; education; training; technology transfer demonstration projects; and regulatory programs aimed at reducing or eliminating water quality impairments and improvements in water quality and habitat. Examples of projects include bioslopes, green roofs, permeable pavers, stormwater wetlands, and wet detention ponds.

Funding: Generally, no federal statutory maximums exist for eligible projects, although individual states allocate funds to prioritized projects and may impose additional limitations. In Maryland, grants typically range from $30,000 to $400,000, with the potential of up to $1,000,000. In 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded over $3.8 million in grants to 15 projects across Pennsylvania that will help communities restore impaired watersheds.

Cost share: 60% federal / 40% nonfederal; however, it is considered best practice to leverage funds beyond the match requirement. For each dollar of Section 319 project funding, state, local, and federal partners typically contribute another eight dollars. Some states may cover portions or the entirety of the nonfederal match.

Application process: 

• View current application guidance and search by CFDA number 66.460 for more information.
• To apply, find your state NPS coordinator.
• The federal government disbursed $182 million under this program during fiscal year 2023.
• Projects may include subcontracts for private firms and nonprofit organizations for consulting, engineering, construction, and other tasks.