The TCEQ receives two types of federal grant funding: Discretionary (Project) and Continuation (Formula). The agencys primary grantor is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, we also receive grant awards from other federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD), and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). When appropriate, a portion of a federal grant awarded to the TCEQ may be made available for sub-award to eligible recipients. The sub-award process is initiated by agency program staff designated as Grant Managers and submitted to management for approval. Eligibility criteria, project focus, sub-award limitations, and proposal submission requirements vary and are specific to each federal sub-grant opportunity. Discretionary Funding OpportunitiesIn an effort to provide transparency in the TCEQ's federal discretionary grant funding opportunities process, the Federal Grants Management Team of the Budget and Planning Division, under the direction of the Executive Office, maintains a list of identified opportunities. While not all of these opportunities will develop into sub-award opportunities, we feel it is important for the public to be informed of those opportunities the TCEQ may consider pursuing. The list is maintained on a fiscal year basis and contains both active and historical opportunities. View the Discretionary Funding Opportunities List. Request for proposals for competitive discretionary sub-awards
are posted on the Electronic
State Business Daily Continuation Funding OpportunitiesOpportunities to submit requests for proposals to obtain a
sub-award for continuation grant funding are posted on the Electronic State Business
Daily The following provides information on continuation grant programs which offer sub-awards: CompetitiveNon-competitive
Nonpoint Source Grant ProgramThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency distributes funds appropriated by Congress annually to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under the authorization of §319(h) of the Clean Water Act. The TCEQ administers federal funds for projects to assist the state in implementing the State of Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program. Nonpoint source pollution management in Texas is a cooperative
effort jointly administered by the TCEQ and the Texas State Soil
and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB). The TCEQ administers the
Section 319 program in Texas for non-agricultural nonpoint source
management programs and the TSSWCB administers the program for
agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint source issues. Information
about the TSSWCB’s Section 319 program can be found at www.tsswcb.state.tx.us/managementprogram.
Who is eligible for this funding opportunity? Grants will be available to all state agencies or political subdivisions of the State of Texas, including cities, counties, school districts, state universities, and special districts. Private, for profit, and nonprofit organizations may participate in projects as partners or contractors but may not apply directly for funding. The TCEQ encourages the participation of all eligible grant recipients in the CWA §319(h) grant program. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate and partner with other local, state, and federal entities. Local participation in the program provides the following benefits: improves the quality and quantity of information used to identify and develop water quality restoration activities, ensures a local perspective in decision making, helps stakeholders gain insight into the nature of water quality problems and solutions, and promotes local stewardship of water resources through voluntary actions to curb or prevent nonpoint source pollution. What types of projects are eligible? To be eligible for funding a project must address the objectives, goals and/or priorities identified in the State of Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program. Examples of eligible project activities include: assessment of nonpoint sources of pollution, education and outreach, developing and implementing watershed protection plans, implementing the nonpoint source portion of TMDL Implementation plans, and implementation of both the technology-based and water-quality-based management measures contained in the coastal nonpoint pollution control programs. Projects that implement storm water permit requirements under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) program are not eligible for funding; however, storm water management activities not required by permit may be eligible for assistance. How may I apply for 319 funding? The TCEQ is requesting grant applications for CWA §319(h)
FY 09 funds from June 27 through September 16, 2008. The grant
application packet is available on the Electronic State Business
Daily Web Site at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/bid_show.cfm?bidid=77497.
What program is the contact for more information? TCEQ’s nonpoint source program staff at 512/239-4627 or nps@tceq.state.tx.us. Air Monitoring (Section 105) Grants ProgramEach year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides TCEQ with designated federal Section 105 air grant funds to be awarded to eligible local air pollution control programs for air monitoring activities. TCEQ utilizes interlocal contracts to disburse these funds to the local air programs and oversee the monitoring and data management/data reporting activities associated with this funding. Who is eligible for this funding opportunity? The local air pollution control programs in Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and Galveston County are the designated recipients of this funding. How may I obtain an application form? Contact the EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment by e-mail at ogdweb.gad@epa.gov or the EPA Grant Administration Division by phone at 202/564-5323, 8am to 4pm EST Monday through Friday. What program is the contact for more information? TCEQ Monitoring Operations Division, Ambient Monitoring Section is responsible for disbursing these federally designated funds and for managing the interlocal contracts with the local agencies. Additional technical information can be obtained by contacting Kristin Bourdon at 512/239-0883 or by e-mail at monops@tceq.state.tx.us. Water Quality Management Planning (Section 604b) Grants ProgramThe Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for administrating provisions of the constitution and laws of the State of Texas to promote judicious use and maximum conservation and protection of the quality of State waters. To assist the state in these efforts, Section 604(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended, authorizes funding for water quality management planning activities. Who is eligible for this funding opportunity? Seven planning agencies designated by the Governor: Ark-Tex Council of Governments, Central Texas Council of Governments, Coastal Bend Council of Governments, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, North Central Texas Council of Governments, South East Texas Regional Planning Commission. What program is the contact for more information? The TCEQ Watershed Management Team may be contacted by calling 512/239-5550. Mobile Source Outreach Grants ProgramThe Mobile Source Outreach Grants have typically been yearly grants funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. The grants provide national support for community-based mobile source public education efforts supporting implementation of the Clean Air Act, and encourage responsible choices for organizational and individual actions through public education. For fiscal years 2007 and 2008, EPA is not planning to issue any new Mobile Source Outreach Grants. Who is eligible for this funding opportunity? Proposals will be accepted from state, local, multi-state and tribal air management agencies which are identified as such under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act. EPA will fund projects through either Section 103 (for multi-state organizations) or Section 105 authority (state and local air pollution control agencies). In a nutshell this means that city and local government organizations in Texas are not eligible to apply directly because they are not funded under Section 105. The TCEQ is. Therefore, each year several organizations in Texas seek to apply for these grants by partnering with the TCEQ. How may I obtain an application form? There is no standard application form. Each organization must submit a proposal in response to EPA's solicitation notice. What program is the contact for more information? TCEQ's Air Quality Division, Grants Support, 512/239-1903. |
