Surface Water Matching Planning Grants
Forecasted
Surface Water Matching Planning Grants support Delaware governments, conservation districts, and estuary programs in planning surface water improvements to reduce pollution and improve watershed water quality.
Funder: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project and grant cycle; 1:1 cash match; project duration up to two years
Summary: Supports planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analysis for surface water improvements in Delaware’s impaired watersheds.
Key Information: Direct applicants must be eligible Delaware governments, conservation districts, or estuary programs, with matching funds available when applying.
Description
Established by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC), this program supports planning for projects that control point and nonpoint source pollution on Delaware’s developed landscape. Funding covers planning, preliminary engineering and design, and feasibility analysis—not construction—for lasting water quality improvements in impaired watersheds. Supported work includes stormwater retrofits, green infrastructure, stream and wetland restoration, small watershed studies, and master surface water and drainage plans.
The program helps counties and municipalities prepare projects for potential financing through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund. Proposals should address watershed management plans, community stormwater improvements in existing developments, or restoration and retrofit needs. DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship administers applications and provides technical guidance, while Environmental Finance provides financial assistance during the project period.
