Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants (Section 319)
Under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act, the federal government awards funds to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to provide financial assistance for the prevention and abatement of nonpoint source water pollution. (See related article, What Is Nonpoint Source Pollution?) This funding is passed through to units of government, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, for projects that facilitate implementation of the state Nonpoint Source Management Plan.
Grant categories
NDEE’s Nonpoint Source Management Program provides Section 319 grants to local sponsors of eligible projects in the following five categories. Click on the categories below to learn the annual funding available, maximum amount awarded per grant, eligibility, matching requirements and other criteria.
Small Project Assistance Grants | |
|---|---|
| Description | Provides a rapid funding mechanism for small projects and captures unique opportunities in imminent need of funding. |
| Grant Limit | $15,000 |
| Non-Federal Match Requirement1 | 40% of total project cost |
| Sponsor Cash Match Requirement2 | 10% of total project cost (included as part of the non-federal match percentage) |
| Eligible Activities | Conducting local demonstrations, activities, or events for initiating a pilot project in preparation for a larger watershed-based or statewide project. |
| Application Period | Ongoing |
| Time Limit | 1 Year |
| Eligible Applicants | Subunits of government, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations. |
The formula for determining the value of Section 319 and match funds is defined as:
Total Project Cost = Section 319 Funds + Required Match.
The value of the match must equal the required percentage of the total project cost.
Additional non-federal funds may exceed the minimum match, but are not calculated in the total cost formula. Other federal funds are not considered in the total cost formula.
- The sponsor’s minimum cash contribution is included as part of the non-federal match requirement.
Watershed-Based Projects | |
|---|---|
| Description | Supports large-scale projects to restore or protect water quality within a defined watershed or a defined groundwater recharge area. Projects are associated with the implementation of a 9-element watershed management plan or basin plan. |
| Grant Limit | $300,0001 |
| Non-Federal Match Requirement-2 | 40% of total project cost |
| Sponsor Cash Match Requirement-3 | 10% (included as part of the non-federal match percentage) |
| Eligible activities | Installation of best management practices, restoration of resource waters, technical assistance, and education. |
| Application Period | Annual RFP |
| Time Limit | 3 Years |
| Eligible Applicants | Subunits of government, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. |
- A strict limit of section 319 funds for Watershed-Based Projects is not defined.
Section 319 funding should be commensurate with the scope of the project.
Projects exceeding the guidelines of $300,000 limit for Section 319 funds or three years of implementation may be funded in increments or as phased projects.
The formula for determining the value of Section 319 and match funds is defined as:
Total Project Cost = Section 319 Funds + Required Match.
The value of the match must equal the required percentage of the total project cost.
Additional non-federal funds may exceed the minimum match, but are not calculated in the total cost formula. Other federal funds are not considered in the total cost formula- The sponsor’s minimum cash contribution is included as part of the non-federal match requirement
Section 319 Notification of Interest
Forms and Guidance
ALL Section 319 Project Sponsors are CONTACTUALLY OBLIGATED to submit a Semi-Annual Report to NDEE on each September 20th and March 20th for the duration of the project.
- Guidance for Writing Basin Management Plans
- Project Implementation Plan (PIP) Guidance
- Semi-annual Reporting Form (Excel format)
- Reimbursement Requests form (Excel format)
- MBE/WBE Reporting Form (Word format)
- Final Report Guidance
Contact the Nebraska Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program at NDEE.NonPointSource@nebraska.gov