Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program – Toxic Reduction Lead

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA), is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible entities to improve water quality in the Columbia River Basin, through specific actions to reduce toxics, and/or increase public education and outreach. The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program (CRBRP) will assist tribal, state, and local governments; nongovernmental entities, and others as they implement the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan and the Lower Columbia River Estuary Plan - Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and conduct activities to support EPA national goals for the Columbia River Basin. The Columbia River Basin is one of the world’s great river basins in watershed size, river volume, and environmental and cultural significance.

Grant Details
The primary role of a Toxic Reduction Lead is to develop, implement, and manage a multi-phase or large-scale program or programs which leverage partnerships and include a comprehensive toxics reduction plan; lead program and policy development and provide technical assistance; award and manage subawards; participate in the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program Working Group; present information on overall program outcomes at bi-annual meetings. Eligible activities must address at least one of six categories: eliminating or reducing pollution; cleaning up contaminated sites; improving water quality; reducing runoff; protecting habitat; or promoting citizen engagement or knowledge.

Eligibility Requirements
Under this solicitation, only State governments, tribal governments, regional water pollution control agencies and entities, local government entities, nongovernmental entities, or soil and water conservation districts are eligible to apply for assistance. Nonprofit organizations must be nonprofit organizations operated mainly for scientific, educational, service, charitable or similar purposes in the public interest. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation is 4-6 years. The program activities are expected to begin around September 2023 with an expected completion date of 6 years after award.

Grant Value
EPA anticipates awarding up to $40,000,000 of CRBRP IIJA funding under this announcement. Approximately 5 to 10 cooperative agreements ranging from $3,000,000 to $7,000,000 will be awarded.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic location(s) where the grant will be performed include the Columbia River Basin.