Nonpoint Source Control Two

Nationally, the current amount of money allocated to the 319 program has decreased from $238.4 million in fiscal year 2003 to $207.3 million in fiscal year 2005 (U.S. EPA). Individual grants from state-run pass through programs vary widely. Some states appear to be moving toward fewer, larger grants targeted at particular watersheds. However, a survey of state programs showed grants ranging from $1,000 to more than $100,000. Some states even have two tiers of grants — traditional larger grants and smaller grants with a quicker turnaround and less paperwork required.

Eligibility for 319 grants

Eligibility varies from state to state. Where the state water quality agency has established its own grant program with 319 funds, other state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations and others are usually eligible for grant funds. In most states, for-profit organizations and federal agencies are not eligible.

Activities funded by 319 grants

Traditionally, 319 projects have included information and education programs, demonstration projects that showcase innovative technologies, and water quality monitoring. Today, 319 project grants are increasingly targeted at site- and watershed-specific activities designed to restore degraded watersheds.

Activities not fundable by 319 grants

Section 319 funds cannot be used for lobbying or research, to implement any NPDES permit requirements, or for other point source related projects. During the last few years, 319 money has been specifically authorized for stormwater control projects associated with municipal stormwater NPDES permits. Additional limitations may apply to your state’s program. It is important to remember that 319 grants are meant to fund implementation of the state nonpoint source management plan, so management measures and activities not in the plan will not be eligible for funding.

No more than 10 percent of state 319 funds can be used for administrative costs. (Generally, the state passes that restriction on to the specific grants as well.) Administrative costs include salaries, overhead or other indirect costs. However, the 10 percent limitation does not apply to certain activities such as enforcement, education, technical assistance and demonstration projects. Contact your state agency to clarify this limitation before you apply.

Match requirement

States are required to provide a 40 percent match to the federal 319 grant. Many states pass the match requirement on to grantees. The required match on state 319 grants is usually 40 percent, but it ranges from 0 percent to 50 percent. Tribal 319 recipients can sometimes be eligible for reduced match requirements.

Prioritization

Current EPA guidance stresses the need to focus 319 dollars on 303(d)-listed impaired water bodies. This focus includes development of TMDLs and watershed-based plans for impaired waters and actual restoration projects. However, some funds are still available for projects in unimpaired watersheds - especially threatened watersheds or those with special status such as drinking water sources or habitats of threatened and endangered species.

Most states follow the national guidance and prioritize funding in impaired water bodies. In addition, states may consider a range of other factors such as match amount, public support for the project, technical merit and nature of the threat (e.g., public health threats at a swimming beach or potential harm to an endangered species).Many states also have priority areas - usually watersheds - where funding is focused.