2026 Section 319 Non-Point Source Pollution Program

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is pleased to announce the availability of grants to assist in the implementation of projects that prevent and abate water pollution associated with nonpoint sources (NPS) and to improve or restore aquatic habitat. Unlike point source pollution that comes from specific, identifiable discharges, NPS pollution is diffuse and generated from many diverse sources including stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, and erosion from disturbed sites. This RFP announces the availability of an estimated $750,000 in federal funding provided to RIDEM by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. These funds are being targeted to specific watersheds (see the Eligibility tab for additional information). Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis pursuant to this Request for Proposals (RFP) and require a commitment of match.
- Purpose of Available Grants
The purpose of the grants is to enhance the beneficial uses of Rhode Island waters which include, but are not limited to water supply, swimming, fishing, shellfishing, recreation, and healthy aquatic ecosystems. More specifically, these grants are targeted to water quality protection and restoration actions that prevent or abate nonpoint sources of pollution and sources of aquatic habitat degradation consistent with the 2024 RI Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan, which is available on the DEM website. As further described below, RIDEM is encouraging the use of green infrastructure which often delivers co-benefits related to flooding and resiliency. Nonpoint source pollution, particularly stormwater runoff, is a significant cause of water quality impairments across Rhode Island. The management strategies employed to control and reduce such pollution typically involve local actions to implement site-specific best management practices (BMPs) or restoration actions. Examples of projects implementing actions to protect and enhance water quality or support designated uses of Rhode Island's waters by:
- Improving or restoring aquatic habitat including improving stream connectivity, riparian buffers, and/or lake conditions;
- Mitigating stormwater pollution in areas NOT restricted by MS4 permit requirements;
- Replacement of publicly owned failing or substandard on-site wastewater treatment systems, including cesspools, excluding direct assistance to individual homeowners;
- Creating localized programs to coordinate litter and trash removal in riparian areas and waterways;
- Incorporating LID in local land use regulations to the maximum extent feasible;
- Developing sustainable strategies to address waterfowl/wildlife management to limit impact to water quality;
- Abating nonpoint source pollution from farms; and
- Other projects that implement actions to prevent or abate nonpoint source pollution or improve aquatic habitat.
A list of specific priority projects derived from approved watershed plans and a full RFP document with additional information can be found under the Files tab. Final proposals must be received by RIDEM through Rhode Island's Grant Management System (eCivis) no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026. Hard copies will NOT be accepted.