Funding Database: Stream Restoration

The Stream Restoration Projects opportunity is part of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS-EQIP). Administered by the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) Division of Water Resources (DWR), the grant provides cost-share funding to local governments for stream restoration projects.

Eligible Applicants

Units of local government and local political subdivisions are eligible to apply. Nongovernmental organizations can serve as co-applicants for these projects.

Eligible Projects

Stream restoration projects approved by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for NRCS-EQIP funding are eligible for financial assistance from NC DEQ. A single project shall include all landowners and other participants along a contiguous stretch of stream. 

Refer to the latest version of the “EQIP Guidelines for Natural Stream Channel Work” for a list of eligible practices. These guidelines, available on the WRDG website, are typically attached to the most recent version of the grant guidelines. Eligible practices include those associated with streambank stabilization, habitat improvement and stream buffer plantings. A primary focus of this program is to reduce the amount of sediment getting into streams. 

Livestock exclusion fencing, although not listed in the EQIP Guidelines, may be eligible for grant reimbursement if it provides ecological benefits to stream and riparian areas.

Funding Amount

There is currently no maximum funding amount per project.

Match Requirements

NRCS provides an estimated 50% federal cost-share for stream restoration projects. NC DEQ provides up to 100% funding of the estimated 50% non-federal costs.

Application Schedule

There are two annual application cycles for stream restoration projects. The spring cycle runs from Jan. 1 through June 30. The fall cycle runs from July 1 through Dec. 31. Timeframes are subject to change.

Application Process

Applicants should contact Grant Manager Amin Davis to obtain project information and schedule a pre-application site visit. Application documents should be emailed directly to the grant manager by the close of business on the last day of the application cycle. The application submission includes a completed application spreadsheet, two maps and a set of signed documents.

Application Assistance

DWR strongly encourages applicants to review the following documents on the program homepage under the “NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Projects” heading:

• “Guidelines”
• “Application Form” (focus on the “Benefits and Evaluation Criteria” tab)

DWR also encourages applicants to contact the grant manager listed above for assistance in developing a competitive grant application.

Funding Source

Funding is provided by USDA through congressional appropriations. Additional funding is provided by NC DEQ through legislative appropriations.