|
 |
|
Clean Water
Act Section 104(b)(3) Water Quality Cooperative Agreements/Grants
Under the authority of Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act,
EPA makes grants to state water pollution control agencies, interstate
agencies, municipalities, Indian tribes and other nonprofit institutions
to promote the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution.
Further, the Clean Water Action Plan (CWAP), released in February
1998, presents a broad vision of watershed protection, and includes
a new, cooperative approach to restoring and protecting water
quality. The CWAP asks state, federal, tribal, and local governments
to work with stakeholders and interested citizens to: 1) identify
watersheds with the most critical water quality problems, and
2) work together to focus resources and implement effective strategies
to solve these problems. Priority consideration is being given
to implementing the CWAP and project covering watersheds, and
activities addressing stormwater, combined sewer overflows, mining,
on-site systems, and animal feeding operations
Section 104(b)(3) funds are to be used to focus on innovative demonstration
and special projects. Among the efforts eligible for funding are
research, investigations, experiments, training, environmental
technology demonstrations, surveys, and studies related to the
causes, effects, extent and prevention of pollution. These activities
or projects could fall under one of the following 104(b)(3) funding
categories as indicated in guidance to the regions.
- Institutional Coordination
- NPDES Permits
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- Monitoring and Assessment
- Program Measures and Environmental Indicators
- Public Participation/Outreach
To obtain more information about the program, contact the Section
104(b)(3) Regional Coordinator for your area. The Regional
Coordinator solicits and evaluates project proposals for funding.
|
