The DNR offers Iowa groups looking to improve our state's waters the opportunity to apply for grants. These grants allow groups, such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other organizations, to put watershed management plans in action to improve the quality of water entering our rivers, streams and lakes.

The deadline to apply for fiscal year 2009 grant funding was April 1, 2009.
Please check back in early 2010 for our next round of grant applications.

About the grants
The DNR is able to provide these grants through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grants, made possible through Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act, are often called "Section 319 Grants." The DNR uses the EPA grant funds to support its watershed improvement program and to fund grants for watershed improvement projects throughout the state. The DNR often partners with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service on these projects.
More about watershed funding

One-on-one assistance available The DNR is here to assist you as you consider applying for a Section 319 grant. Our staff welcome any questions and are available for one-on-one consultations. Our staff includes: Kyle Ament, project officer, (515) 242-6196, Kyle.Ament@dnr.iowa.gov Rachel Glaza, project officer, (515) 281-8158, Rachel.Glaza@dnr.iowa.gov Steve Hopkins, program coordinator, (515) 281-6402, Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov For those looking for additional planning assistance, the DNR also offers watershed planning grants to help groups evaluate potential projects and develop watershed plans before applying for a Section 319 grant.

2009 Application Materials The application deadline for FY 2009 Section 319 funding, Water Protection Funds (WPF) and/or Watershed Protection Program Funds (WSPF) was April 1, 2009. Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts: Section 319, WPF and/or WSPF (from IDALS) All other agencies or organizations: (Section 319 funds only) - Watershed-based projects

Selecting grant recipients
The DNR is looking to fund watershed projects that will:

• Target improvement of impaired waters
• Target priority areas
• Measure the amount of pollution reduced in the watershed
• Reduce the amount of pollutants reaching waters
• Implement watershed management plans
• Implement conservation practices based on water monitoring and/or a watershed assessment

Grant process timeline - Section 319 grants (*.pdf)

DNR Contact
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov