The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is now accepting project proposals for the Surface Water Matching Planning Grant Program overseen by the DNREC Office of Environmental Finance. Eligible county and municipal governments, conservation districts and estuary programs are encouraged to apply for funding to support the planning and development of projects that improve Delaware’s surface water quality.
All proposals will be evaluated through a competitive review process, with funding recommendations made by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council. Completed proposals must be received by DNREC by 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 31.
Grant funding is available for a variety of surface water planning activities, including:
- Planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility studies for surface water projects
- Stormwater retrofit projects
- Green infrastructure and other sustainable stormwater practices
- Stream and wetland restoration planning
- Small watershed studies
- Master plans for surface water and drainage improvements
- Other projects focused on controlling source water pollution
Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project. Grants require a 1:1 cash match, and up to 10% of awarded funds may be used for administrative costs. Each successful applicant is eligible to receive a maximum of $100,000 in Surface Water Matching Planning Grant funding per fiscal year.
The Surface Water Matching Planning Grant Program is funded through a set-aside within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The program supports planning efforts that help reduce stormwater runoff, protect water resources, and improve water quality in impaired watersheds throughout the state. For more information, visit the Surface Water Matching Planning Grants webpage on the DNREC website.
Surface Water Matching Planning Grant proposals must be no larger than 10 MB in size and should be emailed to DNREC_EF_GRANTS@Delaware.gov, care of Michael Fleming with “Surface Water Matching Planning Grant” in the subject line of the email.