CALL TO ACTION:

DEP Announces Funding Opportunity for
Nonpoint Source Water Quality Projects

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water Restoration Assistance (DWRA) is calling for proposals for two water quality grant opportunities: 

• The Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant provides up to $3 million in total funding for projects that reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollution through public education, demonstration or implementation of best management practices (including green infrastructure); implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and water quality restoration plans; groundwater protection; plus limited funding to a local government for eligible components of septic-to-sewer project implementation.
• The State Water Quality Assistance Grant provides up to $5 million in total funding for shovel-ready construction projects that reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollution, prioritized in impaired waters implementing TMDLs and/or water quality restoration plans.

Nonpoint source pollution refers to diffuse sources of pollution that do not originate from discernible, confined and discrete conveyances, like pipes and ditches, and that are caused by rainfall moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal water and underground sources of drinking water.

• Download the single proposal request document, which can be used for consideration for both grant funding opportunities.
• Proposals are due by the close of business on Aug. 31, 2021. Please submit proposals as early as possible.
• All proposal requests must be submitted electronically to Emily Forinash, grant coordinator in DWRA's Nonpoint Source Management Program.

For questions or further information, email Emily.Forinash@FloridaDEP.gov. After this initial selection period, DWRA will continue to accept proposals throughout the year and select projects for funding periodically.

Learn more about DWRA's Nonpoint Source Funds.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at FloridaDEP.gov.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/2eb0b80