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. Funding opportunities include:
- Clean Water Act Section 319 federal grant funding that NMED distributes to selected projects with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval.
- On-the-Ground Watershed Implementation Projects
- Watershed-Based Plan Development Projects
- River Stewardship Program funding opportunities arise when NMED releases Requests for Proposals (RFP) for planning, design, and construction of projects that improve surface water quality or river habitat.
- Watershed Protection Assistance Program (WPAP) is a small funding opportunity to help with projects that directly or indirectly improve surface water quality and river habitat. This opportunity is available to local agencies (including cities, counties, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts) or contractors on a Statewide Price Agreement.
Section 319 Implementation and Planning Funding now accepting proposals
Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 grant funding is available annually for watershed planning and 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, closing December 18, 2025
Apply for this opportunity at: https://env-nm.bonfirehub.com/projects
Request for Proposals Amendment 1
Appendix F – Word File Application for Watershed-based Planning
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 now accepting applications
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 are due May 15th and November 15th each year.
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.