Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is seeking proposals for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution edge-of-field control projects (Projects) to prevent, eliminate, or reduce nitrate loads to Illinois’ surface waters that serve as public water supply sources. The Illinois EPA receives federal funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) through the Gulf Hypoxia Fund to assist states in meeting nutrient reduction goals. This NOFO will give higher priority to projects that implement edge-of-field agriculture practices proven to reduce nitrate loads from subsurface tile drainage. These Projects are limited to best management practice (BMP) implementation.

00E03273

NA

GATA

Through the Gulf Hypoxia Program, Illinois will have the resources to make progress toward reducing nutrient loads. These efforts will improve water quality and protect local public water supplies. Through improved water quality, communities will benefit from safer drinking water, protected fisheries, and a more stable economy. Projects can provide communities with a more resilient landscape and improved local water quality as they have the support they need to implement the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and expand business plans to include conservation systems.

Yes

The Gulf Hypoxia Program may provide up to 80% of the approved Project costs. The remainder, 20%, is the responsibility of the Grantee and constitutes the match. The Grantee must document the required match at, or before, the time of invoice for reimbursement. Match may include money spent or in-kind services utilized to complete the approved Project tasks. Match cannot be federal funds or funds used to match another federal program. Match can be provided by the Grantee, sub-contractor, or Project partners (e.g., State programs, private foundations, landowners). A Grantee may match greater than 20%.

ALL;

See GATA Requirements

Public Water Supplies

Project Grants

Quality of Natural, Cultural, and Environmental Resources

NA

None

Applications will be accepted via the State's Grant Management System, Amplifund.

Type, size, and cost of best management practices. Pollutant load reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Proximity to public water supply.

Awards will be made via the State's Grant Management System, Amplifund.

Open ended

45 days

A merit-based evaluation appeal process is available to applicants who submit a complete application. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. An appeal must be submitted in writing. Appeals must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published by the Illinois EPA to grants.illinois.gov. The written appeal should include at a minimum the following: the name and address of the appealing party, identification of the grant, and a statement of reasons for the appeal. The Agency will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received. When an appeal is received, the execution of all grant agreements that the Illinois EPA intends to make under this NOFO shall be stayed until the appeal is resolved, unless the Illinois EPA determines the needs of the State require moving forward with execution of the grant agreements. The State need determination and rationale shall be documented in writing. The Agency will respond within 50 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by the Illinois EPA within the time period set in the request. The Illinois EPA will resolve the appeal by means of written determination, which shall include, but not be limited to, review of the appeal determination, and rationale for the determination.

No

20 percent match requirement

edge-of-field best management practice implementation.

Quarterly and final

Illinois Administrative Code 7000.90

Grantee shall maintain for three (3) years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, adequate books, all financial records and, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award, adequate to comply with 2 CFR 200.334, unless a different retention period is specified in 2 CFR 200.334, 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.430(a) and (b) or PART TWO or PART THREE. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

N/A

N/A

$788,000 - current year

N/A

US EPA Grant Award - 00E03273

N/A

Springfield

https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/watershed-management.html

Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

Edge of Field agricultural practices, denitrifying bioreactor, saturated buffer, or construction wetland.

4/8/2025

FY 2026 : $788,000