State of Montana Newsroom
DEQ to Select Focus Watershed for Federal Funding
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is soliciting applications to identify the next Nonpoint Source Focus Watershed area. Applications will be accepted from eligible entities through Jan. 3, 2025.
The selected focus watershed will be eligible to apply for approximately $500,000 of federal funding per year and receive additional technical assistance from DEQ staff for three funding cycles covering 2026-2028. A total of $1.5 million will be available to support projects in the Focus Watershed area.
The goal within a focus watershed is to increase the capacity of local organizations, raise public awareness, and build momentum to generate significant and measurable progress toward reducing nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is the largest cause of water quality impairment in Montana and is associated with land uses such as agriculture, forestry, urban and suburban development and runoff from abandoned mine sites. Common pollutants include sediment, nutrients, pathogens and metals. These pollutants can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for human recreation and consumption.
Funding is made available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Participation in this program is one way that DEQ works to improve impaired waters across Montana. This funding supports on-the-ground projects, capacity building and outreach projects.
The current Focus Watershed for years 2023-2025, the Lower Gallatin, has been working with DEQ and partners on projects that restore wetlands and riparian areas, stabilize streambanks and improve livestock operations. These projects reduce sediment, nutrient and E. coli pollution and improve floodplain function to deliver water quality benefits and support thriving communities.
Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on January 3, 2025. Find more information about the program or access the application for the next Nonpoint Source Focus Watershed area by visiting: https://deq.mt.gov/Water/Programs/nonpoint#accordion1-collapse3