[Watersheds] FY22-23 Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program - Request for Proposals

Wed Nov 8 09:45:21 EST 2023

2023 NONPOINT SOURCE (NPS)

IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS

[cid:image004.jpg at 01DA1188.015BD170]Targeted Watersheds

(Clean Water Act - Section 319)

Announcement of Request for Proposals (RFP)

November 2023

All proposals due no later than Friday, January 26, 2024

Apply here: FY22-23 Section 319 RFP<https://controller.admin.ri.gov/grants-management/state-rhode-island-grant-funding-opportunities>

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is pleased to announce the availability of $1.2 million in federal funding provided to RIDEM by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act for grants to assist in the implementation of projects that prevent and/or abate water pollution associated with nonpoint sources (NPS) and to improve or restore aquatic habitat.

These funds are being targeted to specific watersheds (see below) as well as eligible disadvantaged communities. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis pursuant to this Request for Proposals (RFP) and require a commitment of match.

Eligible applicants - Who Can Apply?

  *   Municipal, state, and regional governments;
  *   Quasi-state agencies;
  *   Public schools and universities;
  *   501(c)3 designated nonprofit watershed, environmental, or conservation organizations; and
  *   Other 501(c)3 designated non-profit organizations with capacity to carry-out eligible projects; e.g. urban neighborhood association, civic organization.

Eligible Watersheds

  *   Watersheds with Approved Watershed Plans
     *   Bristol – Kickemuit River Watershed <https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/pdf/bkwatplan.pdf>
     *   Barrington - Palmer-Warren Rivers Watershed <https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/pdf/bpwatplan.pdf>
     *   Buckeye Brook Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/2022-09/buckeye-brook-watershed-plan.pdf>
     *   Jamestown Brook Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/nonpoint/pdfs/jamestown-brook-watershed-plan.pdf>
     *   Nonquit Pond Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/nonpoint/pdfs/nonquit-wsp.pdf>
     *   Narrow River Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/pdf/watplan-narrow.pdf>
     *   Stafford Pond Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/nonpoint/pdfs/staffor-pond-watershed-plan.pdf>
     *   Tiverton/Mount Hope Bay Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/2023-06/watplan-tiverton-mount-hope-bay.pdf>
     *   Watson Reservoir Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/benviron/water/quality/nonpoint/pdfs/watson-watershed-plan.pdf>
     *   Wood-Pawcatuck Rivers Watershed<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/2022-08/wood-pawcatuck-watershed-plan.pdf>

  *   Watersheds with Draft Watershed Plans

Other watersheds that have a draft watershed plan at the time of grant proposal submission and commit to having that plan finalized (including EPA approval) by the end of calendar year 2023.

  *   Flexibility for Projects in Environmental Justice Areas/Disadvantaged Communities (EJ/DAC)

EPA has issued interim guidance that provides flexibility to allow both the development of watershed plans in disadvantaged communities as well as implementation of community demonstration projects that address known sources of NPS water quality impairment. This flexibility opens the door to potential projects in certain portions of the state that currently lack an approved watershed plan.

Applicants should reference one or more of these tools for identifying EJ/DAC areas in their applications:

     *   RIDEM’s Environmental Justice Initiative and Interactive Map<https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/initiatives/environmental-justice>
     *   EPA’s Environmental Justice Tool (EJScreen)<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!OO6XB3JK-moUtCuSsgYfVMNaKIE1u4CBqiCeOr4e2Fj91T-R50ErTTh7qJi9QNXD0HW9DvxaKWt2h6PoArOvNZeGK1AqnZracEGz$ [epa[.]gov]>
     *   Rhode Island Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Intended Use Plan – Affordability Criteria (<https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/2023-08/sfy24-cw-use-plan.pdf>to qualify, must be identified as Tier 1 or Tier 2 in Table 3 on Page 20 of the Intended Use Plan).

Length of Projects - two categories of projects:

  *   Rapid implementation projects completed by September 30, 2024 (at the latest). DEM anticipates awarding rapid implementation projects on a rolling basis between release of the RFP and February 2024.
  *   NPS implementation projects completed over the next 1-3 years. DEM anticipates awarding funds for these projects in the spring of 2024.

Non-Federal Match Requirements - vary based on the following:

  *   Excepting projects in EJ/DAC areas, the standard grant to match ratio is 60% grant/40% match of the total project costs.
  *   For TMDL implementation projects or other priority projects, RIDEM may consider reducing the match from 40% to 25% resulting in a grant to match ratio of 75% grant/ 25% match ratio (of total project cost).
  *   For projects in EJ and DAC areas, EPA provides flexibility to reduce the matching requirements to 10%.  RIDEM will consider reducing the match further provided applicants provide justification and commit to documenting any in-kind contributions to the project.

Public Workshops (Hybrid)

  *   Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
     *   Click here to register for the 11/14/23 workshop.<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpfu-hpz4qHdC6c3CfDEwAZEOePnGLGHkP__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!OO6XB3JK-moUtCuSsgYfVMNaKIE1u4CBqiCeOr4e2Fj91T-R50ErTTh7qJi9QNXD0HW9DvxaKWt2h6PoArOvNZeGK1AqnY8EcuCI$ [us02web[.]zoom[.]us]>

  *   Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
     *   Click here to register for the 11/30/23 workshop.<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYldu2gqz8qHNRhA61QGuyYd4CorV-3xnJ3__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!OO6XB3JK-moUtCuSsgYfVMNaKIE1u4CBqiCeOr4e2Fj91T-R50ErTTh7qJi9QNXD0HW9DvxaKWt2h6PoArOvNZeGK1AqnbIBaBrs$ [us02web[.]zoom[.]us]>

How to Apply

The procedure for applying for a grant has changed. All applications must be submitted online through the State of Rhode Island administered E-Civis Grant Management System.  Paper and separate digital applications will no longer be accepted.

  *   All grant opportunities (including this one) can be found at the RI Department of Administration’s Office of Accounts and Controls Grant Management Office website:
     *   https://controller.admin.ri.gov/grants-management/state-rhode-island-grant-funding-opportunities
  *   In order to apply, all potential grantees MUST register in E-Civis through the E-Civis Portal:
     *   https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://portal.ecivis.com/*/login__;Iw!!KKphUJtCzQ!OO6XB3JK-moUtCuSsgYfVMNaKIE1u4CBqiCeOr4e2Fj91T-R50ErTTh7qJi9QNXD0HW9DvxaKWt2h6PoArOvNZeGK1AqnQewv_EB$ [portal[.]ecivis[.]com]
  *   Resources for subrecipients (grantees) and user guides for E-Civis can be found on the Grants Management Office website
     *   https://controller.admin.ri.gov/grants-management

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street | Suite 200 | Providence, RI 02908

[cid:image001.jpg at 01DA1178.FA9509B0]

Sean McCormick, MESM

Environmental Scientist III

Office of Water Resources

Tel: (401) 222-4700 ext. 2777728

Email: sean.mccormick at dem.ri.gov<mailto:Maria.Costa at dem.ri.gov>

DEM website: http://WWW.DEM.RI.GOV<http://www.dem.ri.gov/>

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