Purpose

To support the work of agencies and groups involved in conservation programs and projects, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects, MWCD has developed the Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) Development Fund. This fund can reimburse up to $10,000.00 of the cost associated with developing a NPS-IS. This grant opportunity assists local agencies and groups involved in projects that support the conservation and flood control aspects of MWCD’s mission.

A NPS-IS is a living document focusing on small-scale watershed planning to resolve environmental issues within a 12-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC-12) watershed. NPS-IS outlines environmental issues, develops goals and initiates a plan to address the issues with conservation practices rooted in the best science available. These plans work by describing the “what” and “where” of specific conservation strategies to best address and reduce the nonpoint source pollution and impairments of the specified HUC-12 watershed. Each watershed is unique and has its own attributes and impairments and as such, each plan will individually address those issues impacting water quality to ensure long-term benefits are achieved.

NPS-IS developed through MWCD’s NPS-IS Development Fund will meet the 9 essential elements per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 Program Guidance to ensure Ohio Section 319 funding eligibility. NPS-IS funded by MWCD will be submitted to, reviewed and approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). Once a NPS-IS is approved by OEPA, projects described in a NPS-IS are eligible for Ohio Section 319 funding (offered through OEPA). MWCD is proud to support the OEPA and provide this fund as a catalyst for advancing water quality improvements within the HUC-12 watersheds that make up the Muskingum River Basin.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the state, IRS Section 501 organizations, soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), local governments, park districts, and regional councils of government involved in projects related to watershed management and water quality improvements in the Muskingum River Watershed. Strategic alliances, multi-organization groups, or collaborative partners are also eligible.

Eligible Projects

Awarded funds may only be used to cover the costs associated with developing a NPS-IS for HUC-12 watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin. While all HUC-12 watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin are eligible for funding, the 2025-2026 funding cycle will prioritize funding for 100 specified HUC-12 watersheds (see 2025-2026 guidelines link below). These 100 HUC-12 watersheds have been chosen based on the following criteria:

• Serving as a source of public drinking water (surface water only).
• Containing or draining to a direct tributary of an MWCD reservoir.
• Where threatened or endangered aquatic wildlife have been recorded.
• Documented impairments of sediment, nutrients, habitat alteration, and/or dissolved oxygen.
• Having prevalent and documented acid mine drainage impairments.

Application Process

Application materials are available below.

Please include a cover letter with a short description of the agency or group, a resolution from the governing body, IRS Determination Letter (if applicable), and any supporting documentation such as letters of support and commitment to any matching funds. 

If you have any questions about this process please contact Rome Marinelli-MWCD Watershed Coordinator at 234-801-7045 or [email protected]

Application Deadline

Electronic copies must be completed and submitted, in PDF format, to the email address listed below by 5:00 p.m., August 8, 2025. Paper copies will be accepted but must be postmarked on or before August 8, 2025. If submitting paper copies, please ensure four (4) copies are included. It is recommended that mailed applications choose to track the package to ensure delivery to MWCD.

Applications will be reviewed for completeness, technical merit, and adherence to guidelines. Applicants will be notified of their application status no later than August 29, 2025. Awarded applicants will be required to execute a grant agreement and provide a grant report within 18 months from the award date.

Application Materials