DEP-BWR-NOI-FY27 Water Management Act Grant ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through the Bureau of Water Resources, is soliciting grant proposals under the Water Management Act to support the Sustainable Water Management Initiative. The program provides funding between 20,000 and 350,000 dollars per applicant for projects focused on planning assistance, drought resiliency, demand management, and mitigation activities to minimize water withdrawals. Eligible projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, and must comply with the Massachusetts Water Management Act and the MBTA Communities Law. Notably, projects specifically focused on PFAS water treatment are ineligible for funding. Applicants must be registered in COMMBUYS and in good standing with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale, with the highest weight given to project benefit, followed by project description, regulatory compliance, budget and timeline, organizational qualifications, and disadvantaged community status. A minimum 20 percent cash or in-kind cost share is required, and these matching funds cannot originate from other state or federal grants. Proposals are limited to 10 pages, excluding attachments, and must be submitted electronically by September 21, 2026. Final deliverables for mitigation projects require as-built drawings stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer.