Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications for: Small Watershed Grants Program and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Program Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Background
The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is responsible for supporting the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council through the coordination of federal, state, and local efforts to restore and protect living resources and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The CBP partnership includes states, the District of Columbia, and EPA, representing the federal government. The partnership’s work is guided by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, which establishes the plan for collaboration across the Bay’s political boundaries and establishes goals and outcomes for the restoration of the Bay, its tributaries, and the lands that surround them.

Grant Details
EPA plans to award up to three cooperative agreements under this Request for Applications (RFA), one for each Activity described in detail. The total estimated funding available is $96,000,000, including $21,000,000 for Year 1, and up to $25,000,000 for Years 2-4. The maximum available funding per Activity is detailed in the chart below. The RFA is seeking cost-effective proposals from eligible applicants to support activities such as Community Capacity Building – Small Watershed Grants (CCB SWG) Program, Planning, Assistance and Implementation – Small Watershed Grants (PAI SWG) Program, and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants Program.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, individuals in the Chesapeake Bay region committed to building organizational capacity to more effectively address community goals that support watershed health.

Period of Performance
The activities are multi-year projects (up to four years), with a work plan and budget for the first year and a projected work plan and estimated budget for Years 2-4.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding available is $96,000,000, including $21,000,000 for Year 1, and up to $25,000,000 for Years 2-4. The maximum available funding per Activity is detailed in the chart provided.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed within the Chesapeake Bay region.