This document provides guidance for applicants seeking funding from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) grant program. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) distributes funds appropriated by Congress annually to TCEQ under the authorization of CWA Section 319(h) for projects that assist the state in implementing the most recent EPA approved Texas Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Program. The Texas NPS Management Program includes multiple strategies for addressing nonpoint source pollution and should be consulted for compatibility with proposed projects. Projects are administered through Contract agreements that describe the tasks, schedule, and budget for the project. Successful projects are usually two to four years long and primarily describe one or more of the following: 1. The development of watershed protection plans (WPP) that meet EPA’s required nine key elements for a watershed-based plan. 2. The implementation of EPA-accepted WPPs focusing on best management practices (BMPs) that measurably reduce nonpoint source pollution. For a list of eligible WPPs see TCEQ NPS webpage. 3. Targeted education and outreach designed to bring about behavioral changes that lead to reduced nonpoint source pollution. 4. The engagement and commitment of essential watershed partners. 5. The implementation of multiple management measures in WPPs. 6. The inspection and remediation of on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) in the Texas Coastal Zone Boundary. Both EPA and TCEQ place a strong emphasis on achieving measurable results for projects selected to receive 319(h) grant funding. To that end, implementation projects should be sited as close to the impaired water body and/or assessment unit (AU) as possible to target identified sources of water quality degradation. Therefore, TCEQ seeks proposals involving on-the-ground implementation that have the highest chance to improve water quality. TCEQ will be the sole judge of the best interests of TCEQ
