Fiscal Year 2026 319(h) Grant
Forecasted
Fiscal Year 2026 319(h) Grant supports North Carolina project teams carrying out watershed restoration and pollution-reduction work to improve impaired waters and protect unimpaired waters at risk.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Draft proposals or plans) | May 2027 (Final proposals)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $1.5 million expected for FY2026; typical awards $50,000–$300,000
Summary: Supports on-the-ground projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve North Carolina waters.
Key Information: Projects require an approved watershed plan or eligible alternative and at least 40% non-federal match, unless a Tribal waiver is granted.
Description
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) administers this competitive program with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Its principal priority is implementing approved watershed restoration plans to improve waters impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Projects may use stormwater or agricultural best management practices, riparian and wetland restoration, or stream restoration to address pollution sources identified in a plan.
The program also accepts projects that protect currently unimpaired waters at risk, although they are not its top priority. DWR emphasizes on-the-ground work with measurable water-quality results and lasting operation and maintenance. Its broader goal is to help North Carolina waterbodies recover sufficiently to support their intended uses.
