Section 319(h) Georgia's Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant

Updated November 2018: FY2019 Grant Application Period is CLOSED.

Application Deadline was OCTOBER 31, 2018.

FY2019 Grant Timelime

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) anticipates receiving an annual grant under Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act to help prevent, control and/or abate nonpoint source pollution in support of Georgia’s Nonpoint Source Management Program. GAEPD then conducts a competitive process to fund eligible projects that will lead to direct reductions in pollutant loads and measurable water quality improvements in impaired waters throughout the State.

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The grant’s cost-share policy requires a maximum of 60% Federal dollars and a minimum of 40% non-federal cash or in-kind Match toward the total project cost. Currently, the maximum Federal award to any individual project is $400,000, which requires a minimum local Match of $266,667, resulting in a total project cost of $666,667. There is no minimum Federal award amount that a project can receive. The maximum duration of any individual grant is limited to three years to achieve the project goals and objectives.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Public entities such as city or county governments with Qualified Local Government status; regional and State agencies; authorities that operate public service or delivery programs (e.g. sewer, water); regional commissions; resource conservation and development councils; county extensions; and local school systems and State colleges and universities. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNDING: To be considered for funding, projects must meet all three of the following minimum requirements:

  1. Implement existing watershed-based plans that adequately address USEPA's Nine Elements for Watershed Planning;
  2. Focus within a 10-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC-10) or smaller watershed; AND
  3. Commit to a minimum 40% non-federal match.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: Grant proposals must specify the nonpoint sources of pollution and identify the activities best suited to address these sources, which can include: TMDL implementation; watershed restoration; local regulatory or non-regulatory enforcement programs; urban stormwater controls not included in NPDES permits; technical and financial assistance; education and training; and water quality monitoring to evaluate success of best management practices.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS:

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION RESOURCES:

  • Georgia’s Statewide Nonpoint Source Management Plan
  • Georgia’s 2014 Section 305(b)/303(d) List of Waters - Scroll down past Georgia 2014 305(b)/303(d) List Documents to access 305(b)/303(d) Integrated Report for listings of 2014 Rivers/Streams, 2014 Coastal Streams, and other waterbodies.
  • Quick Guide to Evaluate Your Project & Apply - Presentation (.pdf) to help potential applicants understand eligibility requirements and the application process.
  • Example Score Questions - Example Score Questions (.pdf Format). This document represents possible questions that the GAEPD Grants Unit may consider when scoring applications.
  • USEPA's Watershed Planning Website  - Contains information about the "Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters", the "Quick Guide to Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters", and the Watershed Plan Builder application to build a plan framework. Note: Datasets for Georgia may not be up-to-date nor appropriate for HUC10/HUC12 level watersheds. 

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA APPLIED DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS: Proposals that meet the following criteria will be reviewed in a more competitive light: Include appropriate project evaluation components; demonstrate cost-effectiveness; support the Georgia Nonpoint Source Management Program (see 2014 Plan above); alleviate NPS pollution in impaired waters or protect healthy watersheds (Georgia’s 2014 305(b)/303(d) List of Waters); engage multiple partnerships; leverage ongoing watershed management activities; address priority pollutants; target priority watersheds; correct adverse impacts of increased impervious surfaces; correlate BMPs to management strategies identified in appropriate Regional Water Plans.

SECTION 319(H) FY2019 GRANT TIMELINE

  • July: GAEPD issues the call for proposals
  • September 6 or October 3, 2018 Pre-application Meeting Webinars (required to call in to at least one webinar) 
  • September 28, 2018: Last day to submit DRAFT proposals for GAEPD written review (optional)
  • October 31, 2018: Post mark or delivery deadline for applications to GAEPD
  • Winter 2018-2019: Grant award selection 
  • Spring 2019: GAEPD notifies applicants of grant award
  • Summer 2019: GAEPD and grant recipient finalize project scope of work
  • Fall 2019: GAEPD and grant recipient execute contract, and project begins

CONTACT:  To inquire about potential projects, schedule a conference call with Joyce McClain.