The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $3 million in Wetland Program Development Grants to 11 projects across Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

The 2026 grants will support state, Tribal, local and academic partners working to develop or enhance wetland protection programs. Projects will focus on activities designed to improve wetland health and management while protecting water quality and providing flood protection.

Recipients include the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University, which received $434,249, and Utah State University, which received $345,044. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation received $321,417, while the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources received $303,305.

Other projects will receive funding ranging from approximately $150,000 to $270,000 to support wetland program development and related activities.

EPA said the federal funding will be supplemented by more than $1 million in matching funds from recipients, bringing total project costs across the region to $4.25 million.

Wetlands can help manage stormwater and flood risk by storing floodwaters while also supporting water quality through pollution control. The grants are intended to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands and strengthen long-term programs for their protection and restoration.