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…

Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 awarded $344,000 in formula grant funding to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment on October 1, 2025, under the Water Quality Management Planning program (CFDA 66.454) to support water quality management planning activities through September 30, 2027. Supported by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, this award enables Colorado to improve impaired waters and protect unimpaired waters by conducting planning that informs Clean Water Act (CWA) program implementation. Key deliverables include administration of the CWA Section 604(b) grant, oversight of designated regional water quality planning agency activities, promotion and assessment of Section 208 water quality management plans across multiple regions, stakeholder engagement and outreach, and updated water quality management planning data and development applications consistent with 208 plan policies.

The prime recipient distributed subawards to four regional planning entities in compliance with the 40 percent pass-through requirement to regional or interstate watershed management planning agencies. The North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association will develop an interactive storymap and produce assessments of historical trends and final reports. The Northwest Colorado Council of Governments will implement and support Section 208 water quality management plan activities. The Pueblo Area Council of Governments will conduct outreach, implement, and update Section 208 planning documents while updating discharger data. The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments will support 208 plan implementation and education, update site application review processes, and prepare final reports. Anticipated outcomes include prioritized implementation actions, updated land use codes, and water quality data packages to support comprehensive water quality planning across Colorado.

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) administer CWA 604(B) grant, support designated regional water quality planning agency activities, oversee wqcc reservoir control regulations and maintain the statewide water quality management plan; 2) promote the nfrwqpa 208 plan assessment of historical trends, feasibility analysis etc. 3) implement and promote the nwccog 208 plan; 4) conduct outreach and engage with stakeholders on the ppacg 208 plan; and 5) update and implement the pacog 208 plan. Subrecipient:subawards include: 1. North front range water quality planning association: develop interactive storymap, assess historical trends and produce final report 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, update discharger data and site application review process, and prepare final report.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include prioritized actions to implement the 208 plans, updated 208 plan data, development applications that are consistent with 208 plan policies, updated land use codes, water quality data packages, and technical report. 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.