The "Understanding Water Quality through Monitoring Activities" funding opportunity (EPA-R4-GM-2024-WQM) is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD). The primary objective of this opportunity is to support projects aimed at improving the understanding of water quality in the Gulf Coast region through targeted monitoring activities. The initiative encourages applicants to address data gaps in water quality, particularly where existing information is limited or absent. Funded projects are expected to generate meaningful data that can inform decision-making for stakeholders in the community, as well as support ongoing water quality monitoring efforts.

Projects eligible for funding must be focused on monitoring water bodies within the Gulf Coast Region, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and streams. Specific types of assessments that projects may include are physical (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen), biological (e.g., bacterial or algal indicators, aquatic life), chemical (e.g., metals, pesticides), and nutrient assessments (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus). Applicants should describe how their proposed monitoring activities will complement existing water quality plans, such as Comprehensive Conservation Management Plans or watershed plans, and demonstrate how their data will be utilized for future water quality improvement projects.

The EPA anticipates awarding a total of $3.75 million for four to six projects, with each project eligible for up to $750,000 in funding. Projects may be funded through either grants or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of federal involvement. The project period can last up to three years, with an anticipated award date in July 2025. Recipients are expected to submit regular progress reports and ensure that all water quality data generated is made publicly accessible through appropriate platforms, such as the Water Quality Portal.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Projects must be located in eligible coastal counties within the five Gulf states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). Additionally, the EPA strongly encourages participation from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and collaboration with other stakeholders to enhance the impact of the project.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by November 22, 2024. The proposal must include a project narrative, detailed budget, and additional required forms. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as project design, expected environmental outcomes, feasibility, partnerships, and the applicant’s past performance. Successful projects will demonstrate a strong potential to improve water quality monitoring in the Gulf Coast region and provide data that can be used for future environmental improvements.

For further information or questions, applicants can contact the Gulf of Mexico Division via email at GMP-RFP@epa.gov. The EPA will also post answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources to assist applicants throughout the process.