Highest priority in selecting projects under these grant programs will be given to projects that:

• implement performance standards and prohibitions contained in ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code
• address waterbodies in a EPA-Approved TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load), those that exceed groundwater enforcement standards

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Local government applicants must have either jurisdiction over the project area or be required to control storm water discharge with an inter-governmental agreement between the municipality and DNR
• Projects must be in an urban area. Urban areas include jurisdictions with a population density of 1,000 or more persons per square mile or an area with commercial land use. Commercial land use includes:
  • • • • strip commercial, office parks, shopping centers and downtown commercial
        • governmental, institutional, transportation and recreational land uses that contain source areas generating an above-average amount of rainfall runoff volumes and/or pollutant loads, such as parking lots, streets, storage areas, or large landscaped areas.

To confirm whether the inclusion of the project in the CIP or plans are required for the UNPS&SW grant program, please contact the grant administrators listed in the “Contact Information” section below.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s matching requirements.

Construction and planning projects are cost shared at 50%.

Proofs of purchase are included for all state cost-share amounts to be reimbursed. Proofs of purchase may include accepted bids, accepted estimates, invoices, work orders, or contractual agreements.

Click on the next section to learn more about eligible costs for this funding opportunity.

Eligible costs include:

• Planning and design;
• Stormwater best management practice implementation
• Construction
• Design costs incurred before a grant application may be reimbursable so long as they meet the requirements of NR 154
• Planning grants can be used to pay for a variety of planning activities such as:
  • • • • • stormwater management planning for existing or new development, related information and education activities
          • ordinance and utility district development and enforcement

Ineligible costs include construction costs incurred prior to the grant application.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s project timeline.

Projects must be completed within two years of the start date.

If a grant is awarded, the project start date is the following January, i.e., January 1, 2026, and must be completed by January 1, 2028. These timelines are dependent on the adoption of state or federal budgets. Delays in those processes can delay this timetable.

Click on the next section to learn more about this funding opportunity’s application deadline and forms.

Applications are due annually on April 15. DNR accepts UNPS&SW grant applications for planning and construction in alternating years.

For the 2025-2026 funding cycle, DNR is accepting planning grants. For planning grants for projects to being in 2026, the deadline is April 15, 2025. This is the same deadline (and application process) as the OSG program.

Click on the next section for the contact information for this funding opportunity.

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Joanna Griffin, Runoff Management Grants Program Coordinator
Phone: (608) 400-9519

Wisconsin Statewide Contact:
Corinne Johnson, Nonpoint Source Program Grant Manager
Phone: (608) 720-0120

Wisconsin Regional Contact:
Erin Hanson, Water Resources Management Specialist, Nonpoint Source, Regional Coordinator
Phone: (920) 360-7845