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§319(h) Grants In Maryland – Key Information For Seeking Funds
Authority and Administration
Under the Federal Clean Water Act Section §319(h), grant funds are available to reduce or eliminate water quality impairments that are associated nonpoint source pollution. In Maryland, the §319(h) Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
Eligibility
In Maryland, the opportunity for §319(h) funding is offered to local and State entities including county and municipal agencies, Soil Conservation Districts, State agencies and State institutions of higher learning. Projects may include subcontracts for private firms and nonprofit organizations for consulting, engineering, construction and other tasks.
Proposal Selection
Parties interested in competing for 319(h) Grant funds should download the current RFP and respond to MDE as directed in the RFP. Proposals will be ranked based on how well each meets the goals and requirements stated in the RFP. Selected grant funds will be offered to the highest ranking projects. If you have questions, contact 319 Grant Manager Eric Ruby at 410-537-3685 or eruby@mde.state.md.us
Project Types
§319(h) Grant funds can pay for planning, design, construction, monitoring and analysis. However, the majority of §319(h) Grant funding in Maryland is intended for implementation of projects that will:
- Reduce or eliminate water quality impairments listed in the Maryland’s List of Impaired Water (303(d) List), particularly in watersheds where Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have been approved; and
- Result in quantifiable or measurable improvements in water quality and habitat, including, pollutant load reductions for impairments addressed in TMDLs or identified in the 303(d) List.
Search for Maryland 319(h) Grant Projects - Public Information In National EPA “GRTS” Database (leaving MDE website)
Watershed Plan
A prerequisite for §319(h) funding of implementation projects (any project involving in-the-ground construction) is EPA acceptance of a watershed plan. Acceptance is based on meeting EPA’s criteria for watershed-based plans (Federal Register 10/23/03, page 60659). In Maryland, watershed plans are reviewed using a spreadsheet created by EPA Region 3. By downloading this spreadsheet and using its elements as a guide while drafting a watershed plan, the likelihood of EPA acceptance can be improved.
For guidance on developing a watershed plan see, EPA's "Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters"(Leaving MDE Website).
Annual Reports
Maryland's 319 Nonpoint Source Program 2011 Annual Report
Maryland's 319 Nonpoint Source Program 2010 Annual Report
Maryland's 319 Nonpoint Source Program 2009 Annual Report and Report Appendices
Other Useful Links
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