The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) aim to address the escalating challenges posed by toxic pollution in western Montana’s watersheds, the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. With rapid population growth and urbanization in the region, there’s an urgent need to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic pollution on water quality.
Funds for the following grant programs have been awarded. There may be limited additional funding available to support green stormwater and wastewater projects later in 2026. Please continue to please contact us if you have a project to discuss. In partnership with the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, we can always provide assistance for seeking other funding opportunities. There may be other state and federal funding opportunities for wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects.
Develop or expand residential septic maintenance programs that provide cost-share, outreach, and programming on water quality impacts.
Develop or expand residential green stormwater infrastructure programs that provide development support, programming, and outreach on water quality impacts.
Support projects that benefit local water quality by replacing septic systems or connecting to sewer services.
Create green stormwater infrastructure projects designed to mitigate pollution and reduce runoff while showcasing co-benefits.
Startup Information
Grant Contract Resources
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Reporting
Construction Projects
Additional Funding Resources
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Questions? Explore our FAQs.
No upcoming meetings at this time. Please contact grant staff with any questions.
WMCC’s EPA-funded Stormwater and Septic Leachate Grant Programs are on the horizon; we anticipate applications opening in the beginning of January 2025. Join grant staff to discuss specific considerations for federal funding and your projects. The four grant programs, as outlined in our Grant Guidelines, are 1) Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, 2) Septic System Replacement & Sewer Connectivity, 3) Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, and 4) Residential & Community Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program.
An introduction to the $7 million dollar EPA Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Lead Grant awarded to the Western Montana Conservation Commission, and the potential subawards that will be available in Western Montana in 2025. Local entities may be granted awards to host water quality education, outreach, cost-share programs, and community projects addressing toxic pollution reduction focused on septic leachate and stormwater concerns in Western Montana. Grant guidelines will be available for public comment and review.
WMCC requested partner feedback on the Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction Grant Program Guidelines at this virtual meeting during the public comment period.
Applications are currently closed.
Potential applicants are highly encouraged to contact us with questions or to discuss project ideas prior to applying and to ensure funding availability.
The Guidelines provide information about the grant program including eligibility, match information, procurement, and other policies. The Guidelines include an overview of the competitive grants tentatively opening in January 2025 from WMCC’s EPA funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This includes: 1) Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, 2) Septic System Replacement & Sewer Connectivity, 3) Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, and 4) Residential & Community Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program.
Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration by the time of award. If an applicant does not have current registration, it is recommended to start the process now to obtain registration as soon as possible.
Applicants must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State.
Eligible applicants must meet both the State of Montana (MCA 85-1-605) and the EPA sub-recipient requirements (EPA General Terms and Conditions, EPA Subaward Policy). Eligible applicants include:
Government Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
Education Organizations
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Contact us for more information, or reach out to us at DNRCARDDWMCC@mt.gov. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date.