2008 Request for Grant
Applications
2008 Request for Grant Applications
The TCEQ is requesting applications for projects that assist the
state in implementing the State of Texas Nonpoint Source (NPS)
Management Program (see
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/monitoring/nps/mgmt-plan/index.html).
The TCEQ is specifically seeking projects that implement measures
with a high probability of restoring impaired water bodies or
achieving significant pollutant load reductions. Projects having
these goals will be given the highest priority for funding.
Applications are due by September 16, 2008. The TCEQ will hold a
public workshop for applicants on July 22, 2008, at 2 p.m at 12100
Park 35 Circle, Building B, Room 201A, Austin, Texas 78753.
Eligible applicants include city and county governments, state
agencies, public and private colleges and universities, councils of
governments, and other regional authorities, river authorities and
other governmental authorities (such as municipal utility
districts, water districts, etc.).
Interested parties are encouraged to view more complete
information at the web site for Federal
Grant Opportunities. You can also view the Request for Grant
Applications at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/bid_show.cfm?bidid=77497
or search the bid/procurement opportunities
by agency name (TCEQ) and/or Requisition Number 582-9-77087. The
title of the request is Fiscal Year 2009 Clean Water Act Section
§319(h) Grant.
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Ongoing Grant Program for Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention
and Abatement
The U.S. Congress enacted the Clean Water Act in 1987. Section
319 of the Act provides for a national program to prevent and
control nonpoint source water pollution, addresses NPS pollution
through projects that identify water quality problems, and calls
for the development and implementation of management strategies to
address those problems. Section 319(h) outlines a federal grant
program to support the implementation of these management
measures.
In Texas, the TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and Water
Conservation Board administer these federal grants. All of the
currently active Projects funded under the
TCEQ’s Nonpoint Source Grant Program are described in the
Active Projects Table (PDF).
(Help with PDF.)
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Who Is Eligible?
Grants can be made available to all state agencies or political
subdivisions of the State of Texas, including cities, counties,
school districts, state universities, and special districts.
Private, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations may participate in
projects as partners or contractors but may not apply directly for
funding.
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate and partner with other
local, state, and federal authorities. Local participation in the
program offers the following benefits:
- More and better information is gathered to identify and develop
activities to restore water quality.
- It ensures a local perspective in decision making.
- It helps stakeholders gain insight into the nature of water
quality problems and solutions.
- It promotes local stewardship of water resources through
voluntary actions to curb or prevent nonpoint source
pollution.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
To be eligible for funding a project must address the
objectives, goals and/or priorities identified in the
State of Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program. This program
gives funding priority to developing and implementing watershed
protection plans and implementing the nonpoint source portion of
TMDL implementation plans. Examples of other eligible project
activities include: assessment of nonpoint sources of water
pollution, education and outreach, and implementation of both the
technology-based and water quality–based management measures
contained in the coastal nonpoint pollution control programs.
Projects that implement storm water permit requirements under the
Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program are not
eligible for funding; however, storm water management activities
not required by permit may be eligible for assistance.
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Quality Assurance
The TCEQ nonpoint source grant program requires that all
project-related water quality data must be collected and analyzed
in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP).
Online guide and template for an NPS QAPP
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Current EPA Guidance for NPS Grants
The following EPA web pages pertain to Nonpoint Source Pollution
grants and Section 319 grant projects.
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Tools to help document Best Management Practices (BMP)
pollutant load reductions
BMP Efficiency Water Quality Monitoring
Modeling to Estimate Pollutant Load Reductions
BMP Efficiency Ratings
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Agricultural and Silvicultural Projects
The TCEQ administers the Section 319 Program in Texas for
nonagricultural management projects; the Texas State Soil and Water
Conservation Board administers the program for agricultural and
silvicultural projects. For more information e-mail the NPS Program.
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