Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants: Targeted Watersheds
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants: Targeted Watersheds support public and nonprofit organizations' projects to reduce diffuse pollution and restore aquatic habitat in Rhode Island watersheds.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: October 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. (Final proposals)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $750,000 available; proposals generally expected at $25,000–$250,000 for projects typically lasting 1–2 years
Summary: Competitive Section 319 grants support nonpoint-source pollution control and aquatic habitat restoration in targeted Rhode Island watersheds.
Key Information: Projects must be in an eligible watershed, and applicants must commit non-federal match.
Description
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) administers these grants with federal Clean Water Act Section 319 funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program supports projects that prevent or abate diffuse pollution and improve or restore aquatic habitat, protecting uses of Rhode Island waters such as drinking water supply, swimming, fishing, shellfishing, and recreation.
Eligible work includes riparian buffers, stream connectivity, aquatic invasive-plant management, stormwater green infrastructure, onsite wastewater solutions, agricultural best management practices, erosion control, and updates to local ordinances. RIDEM also considers other actions addressing known nonpoint-source pollution or habitat degradation. Projects should address an issue identified in the applicable watershed plan; RIDEM encourages green infrastructure that also provides flooding or resiliency benefits.
