Section 319 NPS Watershed Management Plan Development Grant

Water Protection
Program

Water Pollution
Control Branch

Watershed Management Plan Development Grant

Request for Proposal

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources requests proposals for the development of watershed-based management plans to restore waters impaired by nonpoint source pollution. A goal of Missouri’s Nonpoint Source Grant Program is to protect or improve the quality of Missouri’s waters that are impaired by nonpoint source pollution (polluted runoff from unregulated or unpermitted sources). This funding is provided pursuant to Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The funds are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the department.

The size and scope of watershed management plans may vary significantly based on the drainage area chosen; therefore, the funding request for plan development should reflect the scope of work required to complete the plan, up to a maximum of $15,000. Funding decisions will be made based on the merit of the proposal. Available funding for these grants is limited.

Requirements

Completed Watershed Management Plans must contain the critical watershed elements listed in Attachment C or refer to the Elements of a Watershed Management Plan site.
The watershed or water body must be on the Targeted Nonpoint Source 303(d) List (see Attachment A).
Funds are available to public institutions of higher education, units of government and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Not-for-profit documentation should be included with the application.
The grant award maximum is $15,000.
Projects may be up to two years in length.
Non-federal match required in a ratio of 60 percent 319 funds to 40 percent non-federal funds. Matching support may include “in-kind” contributions. (Soil and Water Conservation Districts are not required to document match on agricultural projects.)
Projects must be eligible for funding under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, and consistent with the Missouri Nonpoint Source Management Plan. This plan is available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/wpcnpsmp.htm.
Completed watershed management plans must be designed to achieve the load reductions called for in any completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). If no TMDL has been completed, the plan must be designed to reduce pollutant loads to meet water quality standards. TMDLs in progress and approved TMDLs are available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/tmdl/index.html. Approved TMDLs impaired with nonpoint sources are on Attachment B.
To be considered for funding, the applicant must submit the Watershed Management Plan Development Grant application form provided. A Watershed Management Planning Worksheet is included and can be used as a tool to assist sponsors with developing plans. More specific information concerning project requirements are described in the application criteria below.

Application Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based primarily on the following criteria:

The project must meet the requirements of this Request for Proposals.
The project must demonstrate a high likelihood of success based on quality of the proposal, previous successes, appropriateness of goals, support of important partners, an area of manageable size, appropriate practices, adequate funding, competent management, etc.
Projects should encompass a complete watershed or sub-watershed of manageable size and address all significant nonpoint pollutant sources.
Involve interagency coordination and cooperation. Locally led projects are preferred. Letters of support should be included with the application.
Cost-effectiveness of the project will be a significant factor. Projects that include higher percentages of funds for administrative, overhead or indirect costs will be considered a lower priority. Indirect rates cannot exceed 13 percent.

Schedule
Applications will be accepted until this limited pool of grant money is exhausted. Applications will be reviewed quarterly. Deadlines for receipt to be considered in the quarterly review are February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15. Review of applications will be conducted by a committee. Awards will be made approximately 90 to 120 days after the deadline date.

Watershed Management Plan Grant Application

To request a grant application contact Darlene Schaben at 573-751-7428, by e-mail, or by mail at

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Water Protection Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102.

For more information about the Nonpoint Source Program or 319 grants, contact Greg Anderson at 573-751-7144 or by e-mail.

Application Submittal
Mail completed application forms, along with 15 copies, with all necessary documentation to:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Water Protection Program
Attn: Darlene Schaben
P. O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176

Section 319 Program | Major Subgrants | Watershed Planning Grants | Minigrants | Project Examples