The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications from federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia for approximately $3.5 million in competitive Clean Water Act Section 319 funding aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution.

The funding can support projects addressing polluted runoff from urban, suburban and rural landscapes, including stormwater management, streambank restoration, erosion control and watershed-based planning. Each eligible Tribe or intertribal consortium may apply for up to $175,000, with EPA expecting to select approximately 20 projects.

For the stormwater sector, the funding provides an opportunity for Tribal communities to develop and implement projects that address runoff before pollutants reach local streams, rivers and lakes. Eligible activities include efforts to manage stormwater flow and reduce erosion, along with other watershed restoration practices.

EPA said Section 319-funded projects have contributed to documented water quality improvements across more than 16,300 miles of rivers and streams and more than 230,000 acres of lakes since 2009. The agency is providing more than $175 million in Section 319 grants overall in 2026, including $10.5 million in Tribal base grants and $3.5 million through the competitive funding opportunity.

Applications for the 2026 Tribal competitive grants are due Nov. 9, 2026.