Iowa agencies and organizations are invited to submit watershed-based water quality project applications for funding from the DNR Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program. All watershed-based projects must follow the EPA's required elements of a watershed plan. Read about elements of watershed based projects (*.pdf)

If your potential project focuses mostly on education, information or demonstrations, please see our criteria for funding other types of projects.

While the DNR does not offer a formal pre-application process, our staff is available to answer questions or for one-on-one consultations. Regional Watershed Coordinators can also assist with project development and assuring that proposed watershed-based projects are compatible with Section 319 grant requirements.

Please note there is no form to fill out for a project application. However, there is guidance regarding requirements of the Section 319 program and information that must be included in project applications. Please carefully read all guidance, as there have been significant changes from past years. Specifically:

• Targeting Impaired Waters: Of the Section 319 funds Iowa receives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), roughly half will be targeted for waters included in the final FY2004 Section 303(d) or the final FY2006 Section 303(d) list of impaired waters submitted to EPA for approval (category 5a and 5b of Iowa's Integrated Report). In addition, priority will be given to applications addressing a waterbody for which a TMDL has been completed (category 4a of Iowa's Integrated Report) or is currently being developed.
  Find waterbodies eligible for 319 grants (*.pdf)
  
  
• Measuring Load Reductions: EPA requires states to improve the performance and accountability of the Section 319 program. Those projects receiving FY2008 Section 319 funding will be required to provide additional data as part of the annual reports to measure reductions in pollutant loading, specifically sediment and nutrients, resulting from conservation practice implementations.
  Additional guidance on measuring pollutant loading (*.pdf)
  
  
• Watershed Based Planning: EPA requires projects receiving Section 319 funding to complete a watershed-based plan, whether they are designed to protect unimpaired waters, restore impaired waters or both. The majority of the criteria required in a watershed-based plan are currently required in Iowa's Water Quality Project Applications; however, we are providing information in Attachment 8, so all applicants understand the requirements as stated by EPA.
  
  
• Water Quality Monitoring: EPA requires that water quality monitoring be a component of all new watershed-based projects targeting impaired waters. The DNR Section 319 program has set aside funding for water monitoring and will work with new watershed-based projects to develop a water monitoring plan. Therefore, applications for new watershed projects on the (303d) impaired waters list do not need to include a budget or plan for water monitoring, as this component will be coordinated by DNR.

To be considered for funding, submit all applications to DNR by April 1, 2008.

Where to mail:
Please send 16 hard copies along with one electronic copy on a Compact Disc (CD) to:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
attn: Steve Hopkins, DNR

Who to contact
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

Application materials
Following is a list of the application materials, in PDF file format unless otherwise noted. Please read all applicable attachments before preparing a pre-application and/or project application:

• Request for Applications
• Att1: Guidance for Developing FY2008 Project Applications for the Section 319 Program
• Att2: Required Application Cover Sheet - Iowa Water Quality/Watershed Protection Project
• Att3: General Budget Sheets
  • Water Quality Project Budget (Section 319)
  • Water Quality Project Budget - Contributions of Other Agencies and Organizations
• Att4: Detailed Budget Sheets: Excel file format, PDF file format
• Att5: Section 319 Project Application Evaluation Criteria
• Att6: Information about the Section 319 Grant Program
• Att7: Accountability, Measuring Results and Reporting
• Att8: Elements of a Watershed Based Plan
  
  
• For more information: Watershed Planning Protocol: Step-by-Step Guide

Grant process timeline - Section 319 grants

• April 1, 2008 - applications due
• June 2008 - DNR finishes reviewing applications
• July 2008 - Applicants notified of project status (tentatively approved or denied)
• July 2008 - Approved applications submitted to EPA for approval
• September 2008 - EPA approves applications
• November 2008 - EPA awards funding to DNR
• January 2009 - DNR Environmental Protection Commission approves project contracts
• February/March 2009 - Funds available to approved projects.

DNR Contact
Steve Hopkins
DNR Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov