Section 319 Grants
Section 319 Grants support local sponsors with watershed restoration, water quality assessment, education, and technical projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect North Dakota waters.
Funder: North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates: Rolling (Water Quality Assessment Grants) | February 1 (Assessment sampling-year cutoff)
Funding Amounts: Section 319 funds cover up to 60% of project costs; Water Quality Assessment Grants average under $20,000 over two years, with no cost share
Summary: Supports locally sponsored projects addressing nonpoint source pollution and restoring or protecting North Dakota water resources.
Key Information: Funding is implemented through local sponsors, not awarded directly to individuals.
Description
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) administers Section 319 funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. It is North Dakota’s primary funding source for addressing nonpoint source pollution, distributed competitively to local sponsors. The program supports watershed best management practice (BMP) implementation, information and education, assessment, support, and demonstration or pilot projects.
Watershed projects are the program’s primary focus, aiming for measurable water quality improvements or reduced pollutant loading. Support projects strengthen technical capacity through planning, modeling, technical tools, training, and demonstrations. Information and education projects promote informed decisions and voluntary conservation through outreach, workshops, youth education, and technical assistance. Across these activities, the program prioritizes water quality restoration and protection, watershed planning, local partnerships, public awareness, and nutrient reduction.
