ADEM accepting RFPs for Nonpoint Source Demonstration Grant Funding

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Request for Proposals - RFP)

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

P. O. Box 301463 (36130-1463)

1400 Coliseum Boulevard (36110-2059)

Montgomery, Alabama

(334) 27l-7700

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is accepting proposals for FY2009 Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Demonstration Grant Funding.  Under Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region 4 awards a Nonpoint Source Demonstration Grant to ADEM to fund projects which support the implementation of the Alabama Nonpoint Source Management Program.  State and local governments, government agencies, public/private groups, organizations, and institutions are eligible to present proposals to ADEM for consideration of potential grant funding.  Section 319 National Grant Guidelines are located at: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/guide.html.

Activities eligible for base grant funding can be broad in scope and scale.  Eligible activities include the implementation of nonpoint source on-the-ground best management practices as well as providing education/outreach, training, technical assistance, and technology transfer.  Funds can also be utilized to support watershed coordination, the management of storm water runoff that is not specifically required by a draft or final Phase I or II NPDES permit, and efforts to protect groundwater resources.  In addition, certain lake protection and restoration activities, other than dredging and macrophyte harvesting, may also be eligible. 

Activities eligible for incremental grant funding must address water quality using a watershed management plan approach.  Proposals should target the NPS components of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) that has been developed pursuant to Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.  In addition, the activities should focus on the development and implementation of a watershed management plan that incorporates EPA’s nine key watershed elements (a---i) as provided by Section 319 National Grant Guidelines which are located at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2003/October/Day-23/w26755.htm. (pp. 60659-60661). 

All proposals should place a strong emphasis on achieving NPS pollutant load reductions, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment.  Partnering with federal, state, and local stakeholders along with leveraging other sources of funding is recommended. 

The maximum federal reimbursement is 60% of the total project cost.  A minimum of 40% of the total project cost must be provided as real or in-kind nonfederal match.  Proposals may be accepted by ADEM until all FY09 grant funding has been obligated.  Proposers can contact the ADEM NPS Unit concerning project eligibility and funding availability.  Proposal funding is contingent upon the date/amount of federal dollars awarded to the state and the merit of the proposal to the Alabama NPS Management Program.  Proposals are subject to ADEM/EPA review and approval processes. 

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Grant funding is expected to be awarded in the Fall of 2009.  ADEM reserves the right to wholly fund, partially fund, or not fund any proposal or any component of any proposal thereof.  Proposal guidelines, forms, and additional information are available at: http://www.adem.state.al.us/Education%20Div/Nonpoint%20Program/Guidance/WSNPSGrantGuid.htm.

The contact person for this RFP is:

Norman Blakey, Chief

Nonpoint Source Unit

Telephone (334) 394-4354

This notice is hereby given by the authority of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on July l6, 2008