Water Resources Development Grant Program
Forecasted
Water Resources Development Grant Program supports North Carolina local governments with water management, navigation, restoration, recreation, and implementation studies to develop the state's water resources.
Funder: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Pre-application consultation) | June 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: State and Local projects: up to 50% cost-share; recommended requests of $200,000 or less ($50,000 for studies); two-year contracts
Summary: Cost-share grants and technical assistance support North Carolina water resources projects, navigation, restoration, recreation, and implementation studies.
Key Information: A local government sponsor is required; NGOs may assist and may co-apply for federally approved NRCS-EQIP restoration projects.
Description
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources administers this program to help local governments develop water resources throughout the state. It supports general and recreational navigation, water management, stream restoration, water-based recreation, NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) stream restoration, and feasibility or engineering studies. Navigation and coastal storm damage mitigation projects form the coastal infrastructure portion of the program; non-navigation work falls within State and Local projects.
State and Local funding supports practical implementation, including stormwater controls, flood reduction, drainage improvements, hydrologic restoration, aquatic barrier removal, shoreline stabilization, living shorelines, and recreation access. Studies must support implementation of eligible projects. Projects incorporating nature-based design elements are generally most competitive.
