Using a competitive process, GAEPD will award grant funds to eligible projects that propose to address nonpoint sources of pollution by identifying and implementing the activities best suited to address those sources resulting in measurable water quality improvements to impaired waters throughout the State.

All projects must address nonpoint sources of pollution to improve water quality. Projects must meet three minimum requirements:

1. Implement an existing watershed-based plan that meets USEPA’s Nine Elements of Watershed Planning or implement a Summary of Nine Elements.
2. Locate the project in a watershed or drainage area equal in size to a 10-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC-10) or smaller.
3. Commit to a minimum 40% non-Federal Match that can be accomplished through local funds, in-kind services, or other non-Federal sources.

Proposed project schedules should be completed within three years.

Please see the grant guidelines for more information.

Eligibility

Public entities in Georgia are eligible applicants, including:

• City and county governments with Qualified Local Government Status as defined in paragraph 18 of subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. 50-8-2*
• State agencies
• Local, regional, or State authorities operating jurisdictional services and/or delivery programs
• Regional Commissions
• Resource Conservation and Development Councils
• Local and regional school systems
• State colleges and universities

Match Requirement

The grant requires a cost-share ratio of 60% Federal dollars (maximum) and 40% non-federal match (minimum) toward the total project cost. There are no maximum or minimum Federal award amounts for any individual project.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the EPD's Grant Administration Portal. An example application that shows all the required parts of the application is available here.

Workshop

There is an Online Application Workshop scheduled for February 24, 2026 (10:00 - 11:30am EST). Registration is required to attend. Click here to register to attend the Online Application Workshop.

Contact

Questions should be directed to:

FY2026 319(h) Grant Coordinator Mary Gazaway
mary.gazaway@dnr.ga.gov
Primary: (470) 524-0556

Deadline

The deadline for this grant is April 30, 2026.