This action approves funding in the amount of $1,987,728 to the gulf of mexico alliance to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of america

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded $1,987,728 to the Gulf of Mexico Alliance under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of America Program (CFDA 66.475) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. This cooperative agreement funds an innovative water quality improvement initiative that addresses nutrient pollution in the Gulf of America through the collection and beneficial reuse of nutrient-rich algae as an alternative fertilizer for corn and soybean farming. The awardee will deliver core products and services including algae harvesting and nutrient recovery operations, comprehensive water quality monitoring, field studies assessing the efficacy of algal-based fertilizer applications on crop productivity and soil health, and a financial viability model for commercial-scale algae-based fertilizer production.

The project anticipates measurable environmental outcomes including at least 60% reduction in phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations in treated water, along with 60% reductions in turbidity and ammonia during harvesting operations. Additional deliverables include comprehensive documentation of algae-based fertilizer benefits on soil health and development of a commercial viability assessment model. Implementation activities will be conducted in Itta Bena, Mississippi and Little Rock Lake, Minnesota, benefiting regional agricultural communities and stakeholders. No subawards are included in this assistance agreement.

Description

This action approves funding in the amount of $1,987,728 to the gulf of mexico alliance to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of america. The purpose of this award is to demonstrate an innovative approach to reducing nutrient pollution in the gulf by collecting algae for use as an alternative fertilizer in corn and soybean farming. Activities to be performed include harvesting and reusing nutrient-rich algae, monitoring water quality, and conducting field studies to assess efficacy of algal-based fertilizer application for increasing crop productivity, improving soil and plant health, and sustaining agriculture. Anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include at least a 60% reduction in phosphorous and nitrogen concentration in treated water and an estimated 60% reduction in turbidity and ammonia in treated water during harvesting operations. The potential benefits of algae-based fertilizer on soil health will be cataloged and a financial model to assess the commercial viability of algae-based fertilizer will be developed. Intended beneficiaries are the farmers and communities in itta bena, mississippi and little rock lake, minnesota.activities:-subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:-