Wetland Program Development Grants (United States)

The Wetland Program Development Grants support eligible government entities and institutions in strengthening programs that protect, manage, and restore wetlands within EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tribal lands within these states.

These grants aim to increase wetland quantity and quality, enhance governmental capacity, and ensure structured program development aligned with EPA frameworks and Wetland Program Plans (WPPs).

Objectives

The grant program focuses on:

• Conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland condition

• Developing the capacity of government agencies at all levels to implement effective wetland programs

• Applying the Core Elements of a Wetlands Program and the Wetlands Program Core Elements Framework

• Developing and updating Wetland Program Plans (WPPs)

• Implementing grant-eligible actions outlined in EPA-approved WPPs

• Advancing objectives and actions in the Core Element Framework FY25 Grant Eligible Actions

Funding Details

• Up to 10 awards are expected

• Maximum funding per award: $500,000

• Total anticipated funding: $1,234,000–$2,468,000

• Project period: 1–4 years, not exceeding 5 years

• Funding depends on agency priorities, application quality, and available funds

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Indian Tribes

• State and local governments

• Institutions of higher education

• Interstate agencies

• Intertribal consortia

Requirements:

• Activities must occur within EPA Region 6

• Inter-jurisdictional watershed projects must primarily occur within Region 6

• Projects must develop or refine wetland programs in alignment with selected tracks

Tracks

Track One

Applicants must:

• Develop or update a Wetland Program Plan, or

• Reference grant-eligible actions from an EPA-approved Wetland Program Plan

Track Two

Applicants must:

• Align with objectives and actions from the Core Element Framework FY25 Grant Eligible Actions, or

• For interstate agencies or intertribal consortia, reference eligible actions from an EPA-approved WPP

FAQs

1. Who can apply for these grants?
Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, interstate agencies, and intertribal consortia.

2. Where must the project activities take place?
Projects must occur within EPA Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tribal lands in these states.

3. What is the maximum funding available per project?
Each award can provide up to $500,000.

4. How long can a funded project last?
Projects may run 1–4 years, not exceeding five years.

5. What are the two tracks available for applications?

• Track One: Develop or update a Wetland Program Plan or reference grant-eligible actions from an EPA-approved WPP.

• Track Two: Align with Core Element Framework FY25 Grant Eligible Actions or, for consortia, reference eligible actions from an EPA-approved WPP.

6. Can projects involve multiple jurisdictions?
Yes, but inter-jurisdictional projects must primarily occur within Region 6.

7. What activities are eligible for funding?
Activities must focus on developing or refining wetland programs and implementing actions in alignment with the selected track, including WPP development, Core Element implementation, and related programmatic initiatives.

8. Are projects required to follow a specific framework?
Yes, all applications must align with the Wetlands Program Core Elements Framework and follow EPA guidance for WPPs and grant-eligible actions.

9. How many awards will be given?
Up to 10 awards are anticipated, based on application quality and available funds.

10. What is the purpose of these grants?
To strengthen wetland protection efforts, increase wetland acreage and quality, and enhance government capacity for comprehensive, effective wetland program development in EPA Region 6.

Conclusion

The Wetland Program Development Grants provide a structured opportunity for governments, Tribes, and institutions in EPA Region 6 to enhance wetland protection and management programs. By funding initiatives that develop or refine Wetland Program Plans and implement Core Element Framework actions, the EPA supports long-term conservation, programmatic capacity building, and the advancement of wetland stewardship across the region.