Puget Sound National Estuary Program Stormwater Strategic Initiative Grants

Stormwater washes pollutants into aquatic ecosystems degrading water quality, impacting aquatic life, and threatening human health.

In 1987, the U.S. Congress established the National Estuary Program (NEP). The NEP is a non-regulatory program led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies estuaries of significance and provides funding to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of the estuary.

One component of NEP funding in the Puget Sound is the Stormwater Strategic Initiative, led by Ecology. EPA coordinates with the Puget Sound Partnership and Ecology to fund projects that help prevent stormwater pollution and protect the estuary. Ecology leads an advisory team to develop an annual Investment Plan that guides the funding priorities for the year.

Visit the Puget Sound  NEP website to learn more about the program, review the Investment Plan, or apply for funding.

Funding cycle

  • Amount of funding available: Approximate annual funding up to $8 million
  • Grant award limit: Limits vary depending on the competitive solicitation. See https://pugetsoundestuary.wa.gov/ for more information
  • Amount of matching funds required: No match requirements

Applications are currently being accepted.

Start date: Dec 12, 2023
End date: Feb 12, 2024

Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead Request for Proposals (RFPs) will be announced through the Puget Sound NEP funding opportunities website.

Funding is available for the following entities:

  • Federal agencies
  • State agencies
  • Local governments
  • Non-profits
  • Tribal entities
  • Colleges and universities

Eligible projects will be based on the individual competitive grants solicited on https://pugetsoundestuary.wa.gov/rfp/. Each solicitation will include additional details on eligibility. In general, the Stormwater Strategic Initiative funds are targeted at focused priorities identified from Implementation Strategies and actions outline in the Puget Sound Action Agenda.

More information about this funding program

2022-2023 Grant Program Funding Guidelines