This agreement is to fund the state of colorado's water quality management planning program to improve impaired water and protect unimpaired waters across the state by conducting planning that informs…

This $267,000 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Water Quality Management Planning program (CFDA 66.454) supports the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) in conducting water quality management planning activities across the state. Key activities include: 1) supporting regional water quality planning agencies, 2) producing an updated 208 areawide water quality management plan for the North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association, 3) implementing the Section 208 water quality management plan for the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, and 4) updating, implementing, and providing outreach for the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' Section 208 water quality management plan. The expected outcomes include promoting public awareness of water quality issues, achieving water quality improvements through best management practices, increasing regional partnerships, and incorporating emerging contaminants information into water quality planning to maintain and enhance Colorado's water resources. The award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

This agreement is to fund the state of colorado's water quality management planning program to improve impaired water and protect unimpaired waters across the state by conducting planning that informs and supports implementation of clean water act programs. In accordance with clean water act section 205(J)(3), unless a waiver request is approved by EPA, the recipient will jointly develop workplans with and passthrough at least 40% of funding to regional or interstate watershed management planning agencies. This agreement is supported by funding provided under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58). Activities:the activities to be performed include the following water quality management planning activities: 1) support designated regional water quality planning agency activities, oversee the wqcc reservoir control regulations, maintain the statewide water quality management plan (SWQMP), 2)produce an updated 208 areawide water quality management plan for the nfrwqpa; 3) implement the SEC. 208 water quality management plan for the nwccog; 4) update, implement and provide outreach for the ppacg SEC. 208 water quality management plan. Subrecipient:subawards include: 1. North front range water quality planning association: produce an updated 208 areawide water quality management plan 2. Northwest colorado council of governments: implement and support the nwccog SEC. 208 water quality mngt. Plan 3. Pueblo area council of governments: conduct outreach, implement, and update SEC. 208 plan 4. Pikes peak area council of governments: support 208 plan implementation and education, including through the closing america's wastewater access GAP program. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include updated SEC. 208 water quality management plan for the nfrwqpa. Prioritized actions to implement the 208 plans, updated 208 plan data, evaluation of climate change information relevant to the region, development applications that are consistent with 208 plan policies, updated land use codes, water quality data packages, technical reports. The expected outcomes include promotion of a well-informed public, stakeholders and other interested parties to promote awareness of water quality issues, water quality improvements from the promotion of best management practices, increased water quality partnerships and networks across the region, and incorporation of emerging contaminants information in regional water quality planning to improve and maintain water quality. The intended beneficiaries include all the citizens and visitors to the state of colorado.