The New Mexico Nonpoint Source Management Program has several funding opportunities that arise each year for on-the-ground watershed implementation projects to improve surface water quality and planning projects to develop watershed-based plans. Funding cycles are open as funding becomes available.
Clean Water Act Section 319 Implementation and Planning Funding
Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 grant funding is available annually for
- Watershed Planning
- On-the-ground implementation projects
Request for Applications (RFA) Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Watershed Project Implementation- Coming Fall 2026!
Request for Proposals (RFP) Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Watershed-Based Plan Development – Released October 17, 2025, closed on December 18, 2025
River Stewardship Program
The River Stewardship Program started in 2015 to provide funding for the planning, design, and construction of projects to enhance the health of New Mexico streams and rivers by improving surface water quality or river habitat.
River Stewardship Program RFP – Coming in Winter 2026
Watershed Protection Assistance Program
The Watershed Protection Assistance Program was developed to assist in the development, construction, maintenance and monitoring of projects that improve surface water quality, riparian habitat or aquatic habitat. Eligible entities include vendors who are active on the Riparian, Aquatic, and Wetland Restoration Services Statewide Price Agreement (40-00000-23-00037) or other applicable price agreements, National Association of State Procurement Officials, GSA schedule awards, or local public bodies (e.g., municipalities, counties, or political subdivisions of state or local governments).
Applications accepted year-round and reviewed for funding April 15th and October 15th each year
Please note that applications and supporting documents are being updated and will be available for the April application deadline. For inquiries about the program please contact WPSProgram.Manager@env.nm.gov
- Watershed Protection Assistance Program Overview and Instructions
- Watershed Assistance Program Application
- SWPA Budget Sheet
Cooperator Reimbursement and Reporting Instructions
Cooperator Reporting Guidance
All funding opportunities provided by NMED SWQB require project reports. Below are the links to the guidance established for each opportunity.
- Reporting guidance for 319 and River Stewardship projects
- Final report guidelines for Watershed Protection Assistance Program
Reimbursement Request Packet
NMED SWQB adopted new reimbursement requirements. All contracts and agreements will now include a reimbursement packet for cooperators to complete in order to receive reimbursement.
- Reimbursement Request Packet EXAMPLE
- Contractor Reimbursement Packet Instructions
- Training video: “How to use the reimbursement packet”
NMED Monitoring and Compliance Program
The New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau, as a recipient of state funding and federal grants, will implement a risk assessment evaluation of all awardees prior to making an award and after the project is complete. As the Administering Agency of state and federal grant funds, NMED SWQB is under obligation to proactively monitor contracts to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing the programs to be administered. To this end, an accurate risk assessment of each award’s programmatic and financial status provides critical information to help ensure the effective delivery of program services.