DEP-BWR-NOI-FY27-MS4 Grant ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting proposals from one or more municipalities partnered with Regional Planning Agencies, stormwater coalitions, or similar non-profit organizations for innovative projects advancing compliance with the 2016 Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, with applications due October 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible applicants must be Massachusetts municipalities subject to the 2016 Small MS4 General Permit. Preference is given to projects benefiting Disadvantaged Communities as designated by affordability tiers based on Adjusted Per Capita Income. Matching funds are not required but will receive preference in evaluation scoring.

Eligible projects include regional and local initiatives such as assessment tools, mapping software, stormwater infrastructure data systems, model regulations, stormwater enterprise funds, impervious surface reductions, stormwater control measure installation, and illicit discharge detection programs. Applicants must comply with Massachusetts General Laws, including the MBTA Communities Act.

Total funding available is up to $250,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 per applicant; MassDEP reserves discretion to award smaller or larger amounts for exceptional proposals. Compensation is on a reimbursement basis for eligible costs, with a maximum of five percent of awarded funds permitted for administrative and overhead costs. Contract duration runs through June 30, 2027. Grant awards are expected to be announced in January 2027.

MassDEP will evaluate applications on project description (20 points), project benefit (30 points), project budget and timeline (15 points), applicant qualifications (10 points), partnerships and engagement (15 points), and benefit to Disadvantaged Communities (10 points). A pre-application meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Written questions are due by September 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Successful applicants must register with COMMBUYS, submit Commonwealth Standard Contract Forms, and complete alternative W-9 tax information forms.