The Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP), administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) under the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, supports projects aimed at restoring and maintaining stream reaches impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Established under Act 13 of 2012 and funded by the Marcellus Legacy Fund, this grant program focuses on implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for addressing sediment and nutrient runoff caused by agricultural activity, stormwater discharge, and streambank erosion.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, councils of governments, authorized organizations such as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions, watershed organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit businesses (excluding natural gas producers). Projects must address water quality impairments through implementation or maintenance of BMPs, streambank stabilization, or monitoring of water quality improvements. Eligible costs include construction, technical assistance, monitoring, and administrative expenses, with specific limitations on percentages allocated to administrative overhead and trust funds for long-term maintenance.

Grants are capped at $300,000 per project and require a 15% cash or equivalent in-kind match. Administrative costs must not exceed 2% of the award, and construction contingency is capped at 5%. Up to 10% of the grant may be used for engineering and oversight on construction projects, and 25% can be used to establish trust funds for maintenance.

Applications are accepted annually from February 1 to May 31 through the PA Single Application for Assistance portal at grants.pa.gov. A $100 non-refundable application fee must be submitted electronically. Applicants must include supporting documentation such as a detailed project description, cost estimate by a professional, match commitment letters, maps, planning letters, permit information, and resolutions from governing bodies.

Successful applicants must execute a grant agreement within 45 days of receiving the award letter and submit a final report upon project completion. The final report must include project outcomes, GIS-compatible location data, cost breakdowns, before/after photos, and water quality impact summaries. Inquiries may be directed to the CFA Programs Division at ra-dcedsitedvpt@pa.gov or by phone at (717) 787-6245.