GET PREPARED FOR GRANTS
FEMA has developed a Preparedness Grants Manual to guide applicants and recipients of grant funding on how to manage their grants and other resources.
FEMA maintains guidelines and standards to support the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning program. These guidelines and standards define the specific implementation of the statutory and regulatory requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program. Information
FEMA maintains guidelines and standards to support the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning program. These guidelines and standards define the specific implementation of the statutory and regulatory requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program. Information
new opportunities
Texas Community Forestry 2023 Grant Program Request For Proposals
Due: Pre-Proposals Due June 7, 2023, selected full applications due in August
The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 29 involves a competitive pre-proposal process followed by an invitation-only final application for those applying for traditional, NOAA-funded CMP projects. Final applications for CMP Projects of Special Merit (PSM), which will be entirely funded with Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Action (GOMESA) funds, are also being accepted.
Learn more at the Texas General Land Office website.
Due: Pre-Proposals Due June 7, 2023, selected full applications due in August
The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 29 involves a competitive pre-proposal process followed by an invitation-only final application for those applying for traditional, NOAA-funded CMP projects. Final applications for CMP Projects of Special Merit (PSM), which will be entirely funded with Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Action (GOMESA) funds, are also being accepted.
Learn more at the Texas General Land Office website.
EPA Announces $6.5 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects
Deadline: Rolling, starting September 6, 2022
On June 13, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $6.5 billion in funding for water infrastructure for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. EPA noted that this round of funding will prioritize four areas:
- Increasing investment in economically stressed communities.
- Making rapid progress on lead service line replacement.
- Addressing PFAS and emerging contaminants.
- Supporting water innovation and resilience.
You can read the EPA's full announcement here or find more information about the EPA's WIFIA program here.
Deadline: Rolling, starting September 6, 2022
On June 13, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $6.5 billion in funding for water infrastructure for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. EPA noted that this round of funding will prioritize four areas:
- Increasing investment in economically stressed communities.
- Making rapid progress on lead service line replacement.
- Addressing PFAS and emerging contaminants.
- Supporting water innovation and resilience.
You can read the EPA's full announcement here or find more information about the EPA's WIFIA program here.
NRCS Encourages Sponsors to Submit Requests for Watershed Funding
Deadline: Rolling
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging local sponsors to submit project requests for funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers several programs to help communities improve land and water resources within watersheds as well as relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster.
Programs include the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program (WFPO), Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) and Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP).
A News Release on the opportunity is available here, and more information is available on the NRCS website.
Deadline: Rolling
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging local sponsors to submit project requests for funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers several programs to help communities improve land and water resources within watersheds as well as relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by a natural disaster.
Programs include the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program (WFPO), Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) and Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP).
A News Release on the opportunity is available here, and more information is available on the NRCS website.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Funding Programs: Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
Deadline: Rolling
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) offers funding to support community-led economic development to accelerate economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic while building local economies benefiting underserved communities, including Indigenous communities, rural areas and regions with economies that have historically relied on coal mining. There are several different EDA American Rescue Plan programs.
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
Deadline: Rolling
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) offers funding to support community-led economic development to accelerate economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic while building local economies benefiting underserved communities, including Indigenous communities, rural areas and regions with economies that have historically relied on coal mining. There are several different EDA American Rescue Plan programs.
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
- State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business and international travel.
- Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households
Deadline: Ongoing
This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Learn more.
Deadline: Ongoing
This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Learn more.
funding opportunities
Resilient Texas Website
FEMA's Texas Recovery Office partnered with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to develop a website containing their Infoshare resources. The website is intended to be a resource for Texas local and regional officials, academics, healthcare professionals, nonprofits, and other organizations looking to improve their communities. The website contains funding opportunities, events, trainings, and more. Coastal Communities shares some of the resources, but to explore more opportunities visit the Resilient Texas website.
FEMA's Texas Recovery Office partnered with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to develop a website containing their Infoshare resources. The website is intended to be a resource for Texas local and regional officials, academics, healthcare professionals, nonprofits, and other organizations looking to improve their communities. The website contains funding opportunities, events, trainings, and more. Coastal Communities shares some of the resources, but to explore more opportunities visit the Resilient Texas website.
Flood Information Clearinghouse
The Texas Water Development Board's Flood Information Clearinghouse is designed to be a one-stop-shop for information on flood mitigation funding opportunities for Texas' communities. Coastal Communities shares some of the resources, but to explore more opportunities visit the Flood Information Clearinghouse website.
The Texas Water Development Board's Flood Information Clearinghouse is designed to be a one-stop-shop for information on flood mitigation funding opportunities for Texas' communities. Coastal Communities shares some of the resources, but to explore more opportunities visit the Flood Information Clearinghouse website.
Community Facilities (CF) Direct Loan & Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides funding to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Funds can be used to build or modernize education, health care, municipal and public safety facilities, and more. Information
Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides funding to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Funds can be used to build or modernize education, health care, municipal and public safety facilities, and more. Information
Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Full details, including requirements and registration are available on the website. Information
Deadline: Ongoing
USDA Rural Development provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Full details, including requirements and registration are available on the website. Information
EPA Brownfield Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has grants available for cleaning up brownfields. Brownfields are properties that have been contaminated by pollutants or hazardous waste. The EPA offers Area Wide Planning Grants, Assessment Grants, Revolving Loan Fund Grants, Cleanup Grants, and Job Training Grants.
Deadline: Ongoing
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has grants available for cleaning up brownfields. Brownfields are properties that have been contaminated by pollutants or hazardous waste. The EPA offers Area Wide Planning Grants, Assessment Grants, Revolving Loan Fund Grants, Cleanup Grants, and Job Training Grants.
NRCS Floodplain Easement Program
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a Floodplain Easement Program available for landowners in communities that have been impacted or may be impacted by flooding. Floodplain easements restore, protect, maintain and enhance the functions of floodplains while conserving their natural values such as serving as fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, retaining flood water, and recharging groundwater. Structures, including buildings, within the floodplain easement must be demolished and removed, or relocated outside the affected floodplain area.
Reasons for Purchase of Floodplain Lands
NRCS may purchase EWP-FPE permanent easements in floodplains for the following reasons:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a Floodplain Easement Program available for landowners in communities that have been impacted or may be impacted by flooding. Floodplain easements restore, protect, maintain and enhance the functions of floodplains while conserving their natural values such as serving as fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality, retaining flood water, and recharging groundwater. Structures, including buildings, within the floodplain easement must be demolished and removed, or relocated outside the affected floodplain area.
Reasons for Purchase of Floodplain Lands
NRCS may purchase EWP-FPE permanent easements in floodplains for the following reasons:
- The land has been damaged by flooding at least once during the previous calendar year or subject to flood damage at least twice within the previous 10 years.
- Other lands within the floodplain may be eligible if they contribute to the restoration of floodwater storage and flow, offer a way to control erosion, or improve the practical management of the floodplain easement.
- Lands that would be inundated or adversely impacted as a result of a dam breach.
Texas Homeowner Assistance Program Continues
Individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey may qualify for assistance through the Texas Homeowner Assistance Program to repair, rehabilitate, or rebuild if they owned their home, it was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, and it was their primary residence at the time of the storm, among other eligibility factors. Applications for the Homeowner Assistance Program take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Applications are available online or may be completed in-person. For more information, visit recovery.texas.gov/hap or call 1-844-893-8937.
Individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey may qualify for assistance through the Texas Homeowner Assistance Program to repair, rehabilitate, or rebuild if they owned their home, it was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, and it was their primary residence at the time of the storm, among other eligibility factors. Applications for the Homeowner Assistance Program take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Applications are available online or may be completed in-person. For more information, visit recovery.texas.gov/hap or call 1-844-893-8937.
USDA Rural Utilities Services Water and Environmental Programs
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service's Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) has $165,475,000 in supplemental grant funding for repairs to drinking water systems and sewer and solid waste disposal systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Entities wishing to apply for assistance, or that are in need of further information, should contact:
USDA Rural Development State Office
Federal Building, Suite 102
101 SouthMain, Temple, TX 76501
(254) 742–9700/TDD (254) 742–9712
Local water and sewer departments having workforce challenges to recruit and retain qualified workers within our region are encouraged to contact the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
Contact: Traci Nolen at 713-993-2468.
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service's Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) has $165,475,000 in supplemental grant funding for repairs to drinking water systems and sewer and solid waste disposal systems impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Entities wishing to apply for assistance, or that are in need of further information, should contact:
USDA Rural Development State Office
Federal Building, Suite 102
101 SouthMain, Temple, TX 76501
(254) 742–9700/TDD (254) 742–9712
Local water and sewer departments having workforce challenges to recruit and retain qualified workers within our region are encouraged to contact the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
Contact: Traci Nolen at 713-993-2468.
local opportunities
H-GAC Wastewater Assistance Program for Repair and Replacement Funding for On-Site Sewage Facilities (septic systems)
H-GAC Funding is available to help with repair and/or replacement of failing traditional or aerobic on-site sewage facilities (septic systems) and is actively seeking potential applicants and qualified installers for the program. Applicant must be the homeowner and income restrictions do apply. Contact Brian Sims at brian.sims@h-gac.com or 713-993-2438 for more information.
Download an informational flyer in English and Spanish.
Our Great Region 2040
Our Great Region 2040 offers a list of links to current funding opportunities that support the Big Ideas and Strategies of the plan. Please refer to each opportunity for eligibility information and deadlines. If you know of a funding opportunity, please forward it to ourregion@h-gac.com.
H-GAC can provide no-cost assistance to coastal communities in our region in identifying and applying for funding opportunities. For more information on how H-GAC can support your community, please contact us at waterresources@h-gac.com or 713-993-2410.
H-GAC Funding is available to help with repair and/or replacement of failing traditional or aerobic on-site sewage facilities (septic systems) and is actively seeking potential applicants and qualified installers for the program. Applicant must be the homeowner and income restrictions do apply. Contact Brian Sims at brian.sims@h-gac.com or 713-993-2438 for more information.
Download an informational flyer in English and Spanish.
Our Great Region 2040
Our Great Region 2040 offers a list of links to current funding opportunities that support the Big Ideas and Strategies of the plan. Please refer to each opportunity for eligibility information and deadlines. If you know of a funding opportunity, please forward it to ourregion@h-gac.com.
H-GAC can provide no-cost assistance to coastal communities in our region in identifying and applying for funding opportunities. For more information on how H-GAC can support your community, please contact us at waterresources@h-gac.com or 713-993-2410.
PERMANENT funding Resources
Identifying sufficient funding and technical resources is one of the primary challenges coastal communities face in maintaining utility and drainage infrastructure and preventing pollution. A variety of funding programs for infrastructure and stormwater pollution control are offered at the state and federal level. The links below contain helpful information about opportunities and resources.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program provides low-cost financial assistance for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of wastewater, reuse, and stormwater infrastructure. Download Flyer.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Program provides low-cost financial assistance for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of water infrastructure. Download Flyer.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA funds three Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Hazard mitigation measures are any sustainable action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.
Houston-Galveston Area Council - Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Mechanisms document provides an analysis of the potential for wastewater infrastructure coordination and consolidation in the Houston-Galveston area, a consideration of the factors that affect dischargers’ consolidation decisions, and as a resource for available funding mechanisms, strategies and other resources available to dischargers looking to consolidate.
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in 2010 was the largest oil spill in American history. The penalties and fines required of the responsible parties has created the opportunity for funding a variety of Gulf restoration projects with the Restore Act. The Restore the Texas Coast website contains information on requirements and availability of funding sources.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Nonpoint Source Program offers grants to clean up or prevent water pollution.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Landowner Incentive Program is a collaborative effort between TPWD Wildlife and Inland Fisheries Divisions to meet the needs of private, non-federal landowners wishing to enact good conservation practices on their lands for the benefit of healthy terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Texas Water Development Board Financial Assistance Summary covers multiple loan, grant, and combination programs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Water & Environmental Grant and Loan Funding Program helps rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, improve soil, water, plant, air, animal and related resources on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Guidance for Municipal Stormwater Funding provides a resource to local governments as they address contemporary stormwater program financing challenges. The guidance includes procedural, legal, and financial considerations in developing viable funding approaches.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Program provides low-cost financial assistance for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of water infrastructure. Download Flyer.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA funds three Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Hazard mitigation measures are any sustainable action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.
Houston-Galveston Area Council - Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Mechanisms document provides an analysis of the potential for wastewater infrastructure coordination and consolidation in the Houston-Galveston area, a consideration of the factors that affect dischargers’ consolidation decisions, and as a resource for available funding mechanisms, strategies and other resources available to dischargers looking to consolidate.
The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in 2010 was the largest oil spill in American history. The penalties and fines required of the responsible parties has created the opportunity for funding a variety of Gulf restoration projects with the Restore Act. The Restore the Texas Coast website contains information on requirements and availability of funding sources.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Nonpoint Source Program offers grants to clean up or prevent water pollution.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Landowner Incentive Program is a collaborative effort between TPWD Wildlife and Inland Fisheries Divisions to meet the needs of private, non-federal landowners wishing to enact good conservation practices on their lands for the benefit of healthy terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Texas Water Development Board Financial Assistance Summary covers multiple loan, grant, and combination programs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Water & Environmental Grant and Loan Funding Program helps rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, improve soil, water, plant, air, animal and related resources on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Guidance for Municipal Stormwater Funding provides a resource to local governments as they address contemporary stormwater program financing challenges. The guidance includes procedural, legal, and financial considerations in developing viable funding approaches.
resiliency Resources
AGRICULTURE-RELATED DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a variety of programs and services to help communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses that have been hard hit by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and other natural disaster events. To find out how USDA can assist, visit USDA’s Storm Disaster Page and Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE COLLABORATIVE
The Community Resilience Collaborative (CRC) provides technical assistance for planning, outreach and education aimed at coastal communities, particularly resource managers, land use planners and emergency managers who deal with hazard mitigation. Planning is emphasized to address critical land use, environmental, hazard mitigation and disaster recovery issues through coastal planning. Priority is placed on providing planning assistance to low-capacity, low-resource and/or underrepresented communities. For more information regarding the CRC, contact Heather Wade at 979-845-3855.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BUILDING WORKSHOP GUIDE
The Nature Conservancy's Community Resilience Building Workshop is a flexible “anywhere at any scale” community-driven process, rich with information, experience, and dialogue, where participants identify top hazards, current challenges, strengths, and prioritiy actions to improve community resilience to all natural and climate-related hazards today, and in the future. Get the Guide in English or Spanish.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a variety of programs and services to help communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses that have been hard hit by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and other natural disaster events. To find out how USDA can assist, visit USDA’s Storm Disaster Page and Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE COLLABORATIVE
The Community Resilience Collaborative (CRC) provides technical assistance for planning, outreach and education aimed at coastal communities, particularly resource managers, land use planners and emergency managers who deal with hazard mitigation. Planning is emphasized to address critical land use, environmental, hazard mitigation and disaster recovery issues through coastal planning. Priority is placed on providing planning assistance to low-capacity, low-resource and/or underrepresented communities. For more information regarding the CRC, contact Heather Wade at 979-845-3855.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE BUILDING WORKSHOP GUIDE
The Nature Conservancy's Community Resilience Building Workshop is a flexible “anywhere at any scale” community-driven process, rich with information, experience, and dialogue, where participants identify top hazards, current challenges, strengths, and prioritiy actions to improve community resilience to all natural and climate-related hazards today, and in the future. Get the Guide in English or Spanish.
This program and website are funded in part by the TCEQ through a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Copyright H-GAC 2017 - All Rights Reserved.
Copyright H-GAC 2017 - All Rights Reserved.