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Meramec Funding Sources

Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Grants

Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants

Aug. 1, 2019
By EPA & MDNR

Story summary:

  • The EPA provides funding to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to assist communities/organizations that have approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plans with the implementation of the Plan’s best management practices and associated activities in order to restore and protect waters that have been impaired or threatened by nonpoint source pollution (NPS).

Quick Facts

EPA’s Mission
Protect human health and the environment 

MO NPS Management Program Mission
Protect and improve the quality of the state’s water resources using a watershed approach to address NPS pollution impairments. 

Eligibility
State government, Local governments, Universities, Colleges, Nonprofits

Applicants must have an accepted Nine-Element Watershed Management Plan or approved alternative 

What do they fund?
Planning and implementation of the nine-element plan, land management practices, public outreach & education, demonstration projects, Monitoring, Technical assistance, Aquatic habitat improvement 

What wont they fund?
Required projects under a NPDES permit, land purchases, research 

Length of funding
Up to 3 years 

Amount of funding
Variable
In 2019: Min $50,000 & Max $300,000

Match 
60/40 match ratio of total project cost with non-federal dollars or in-kind activities 

Timing
RFPs out on October 1, annually

About

Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants fund planning and on-the-ground practices that control, reduce or manage nonpoint source pollution as described in the Missouri Nonpoint Source Management Plan.

Many healthy watershed practices that reduce flooding also reduce NPS pollution - green infrastructure, increased green space and floodplain restoration, etc.

The goal of the 319 grant is to provide citizens with knowledge and ability to improve their common land-use practices and to protect water quality. Applicants must have an accepted Nine Element Watershed Management Plan or approved alternative.

EPA intends to add suggestions in the new Guidance for 319 State Management Plans for how to integrate with local Hazard Mitigation Plans and Floodplain Management Plans to improve effectiveness and align shared goals. However, you don’t have to wait for the new guidance, start integrating the nonpoint source and flood risk reduction activities today!

All implementation projects require monitoring in order to show positive water quality impacts. Section 319 grants also must include a public outreach and education component (not to exceed 10% of total grant funds). Outreach and education activities may include brochures, website, social media, workshop, signage, citizen science, etc.

 Project Examples

James River Watershed Project

This project included the following activities in the James River Watershed: Riparian corridor establishment, woodland protection, information and education programs, project participant meetings, promotion of Smart Growth, and televised public service announcements.

Lincoln University George Washington carver Farm

This project included enhancement of a man-made wetland, construction of a new wetland. Funds from the EPA Wetland Development Program Grant increased this project’s impact through the purchase of 299 native grasses and plants.

Contact Info

Trish Rielly
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Soil and Water Conservation Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO  65102
573-751-4932
MoDNR.NPSprogram@dnr.mo.gov   

Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.
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