Tribes and the 319 Program

Tribes are also eligible for 319 grants. Tribes must have EPA-approved nonpoint source assessments and management programs and have approval for treatment in a similar manner as a state.

Currently, more than 80 Tribes, comprising over 70 percent of Indian country, meet the eligibility requirements (2003 319 Guidelines), yet few tribes have applied for 319 money.

The CWA allows EPA to reserve one-third of one percent of 319 funds for eligible tribes (CWA, Section 518(f)). However, for fiscal years 2000 to 2003, the Congress has allowed the EPA to exceed this cap - allowing more 319 funds to flow to Tribes.

Tribes are required to meet the 40 percent matching requirements. However, if a tribe can show financial cause, the match requirement can be reduced to 10 percent.

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