Federal Grant Award Summary

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality received a Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants award (CFDA 66.460) from EPA Region 8 totaling $1,779,167 for the performance period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. This formula grant supports the implementation of Montana's Section 319 nonpoint source (NPS) management program, which addresses water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff. The award funds state program staff and resources to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy encompassing structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), watershed planning, water quality monitoring, technology demonstrations, and education and outreach programs targeting local watershed groups and conservation districts.

Key deliverables under this award include water quality monitoring and beneficial use assessments to establish nonpoint source pollution control priorities; development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) informed by monitoring results; technical leadership and assistance to local watershed groups and conservation districts for watershed restoration plan development; BMP assistance to prevent groundwater and surface water pollution; public education initiatives targeting landowners and land managers; and data management supporting federal reporting requirements to the Grant Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS), STORET/WQX National Data Warehouse, and Montana's Water Quality Integrated Report (305(b)/303(d) Report). No subawards are included in this assistance agreement, with implementation conducted directly by state personnel.