This action approves an award in the amount of $3,000,000 to the iowa department of natural resources

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 awarded the Iowa Department of Natural Resources a $3 million cooperative agreement under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of Mexico Program (CFDA 66.475). The award will fund implementation of competitive sub-awards to historically underserved farm communities in the Missouri River region of western Iowa through June 2027. Sub-awards will support projects focused on nutrient reduction, flood resilience building, and outreach to underserved farmers and farm communities. Anticipated outcomes include awarding 97% of funds through sub-awards, reducing nitrate loads by 41% and phosphorus loads by 29%, and reducing runoff to build flood resilience. At least eight sub-awards totaling $2.94 million will directly fund implementation of competitively selected projects benefitting water quality and underserved residents in the target region.

The purpose of this award is to improve water quality by implementing competitive sub-awards to engage with eligible applicants across the missouri river region, increasing the ability of historically underserved farm communities to address nutrient pollution and frequent flooding.activities:the activities to be performed include a competitive sub-award program to assist underserved farmers that will reduce nitrate and phosphorous loads. There will be collaborative meetings and outreach performed with sub-award recipients and other stakeholders. Subrecipient:subrecipient activities will be funded to implement competitively selected projects with focus on the key areas of nutrient reduction, flood resilience building, and underserved farmer and farm community support and outreach.outcomes:anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include awarding 97% of funds through sub-awards, reducing nitrate loads by 41% and phosphorus loads by 29%, and reducing runoff to build resilience. The sub-awards will occur twice a year for two years of the projects, with 3-4 year project periods. At least 8 sub-awards will be completed. Intended beneficiaries are the residents and underserved communities in the missouri river region of western iowa, who will benefit from improved water quality through a reduction in nutrient pollution.