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Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program

The Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grant Program offers competitive grants for local governments for the control of pollution that comes from diffuse sources, also called “nonpoint source (NPS)” pollution. Grants from the TRM Program reimburse costs for agricultural or urban runoff management practices in targeted, critical geographic areas with surface water or groundwater quality concerns.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Cities, villages, towns, counties, regional planning commissions, tribal governments and special purpose lake, sewerage and sanitary districts may apply. 

Eligibility

Eligibility

Grant monies may fund the construction and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to control nonpoint source pollution. They can also fund BMP design as part of a construction project.

The cost-share rate for TRM projects is up to 70% of eligible costs. Municipal employee force account work may be reimbursable by up to 5% of the total project reimbursement.

Cropping Practices & Large-Scale Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grants

Eligible projects

  • Large-scale total daily maximum load (TMDL) projects
    Only agricultural projects designed to meet EPA-approved TMDLs are eligible. Eligible costs include construction of structural best management practices, implementation of non-structural cropping practices and some staffing costs to plan and install management practices. Projects run 3-4 years in duration. Funding is limited to $600,000.
  • Large-scale non-TMDL projects
    Only agricultural projects implementing state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions are eligible. They may be in any area to protect or restore surface water or groundwater. However, the project area may not be less than 8 or more than 39 square miles. Eligible costs include construction of structural best management practices, implementation of non-structural cropping practices and some staffing costs to plan and install management practices. Projects run 3-4 years in duration. Funding is limited to $600,000.
  • Small-scale TMDL projects
    Agricultural and urban nonpoint source control projects designed to meet EPA-approved TMDL goals are eligible for funding. Eligible costs are limited to construction of structural best management practices and acquisition of land or land rights if needed to support the practices. Projects run 2-3 years in duration. Grants are limited to $225,000.
  • Small-scale non-TMDL projects
    Only agricultural projects implementing state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions are eligible. They may be in any area to protect or restore surface water or groundwater. Projects run 2-3 years in duration. Grants are limited to $225,000.

Ineligible projects*

  • Projects implementing BMPs for croplands or livestock facilities defined as “new” per s. NR 151.09(4)(b)(3) and s. NR 151.095(5)(b)(2), Wis. Adm. Code.
  • Point source pollution control projects required by large livestock operation (CAFO) or storm water discharge permit laws.
  • Construction site erosion control.
  • New development, post-construction structural BMPs.
  • Dredging, draining, or flooding projects unrelated to water quality.
  • Dredging of harbors, lakes, rivers and ditches.

*See NR 153.15 (2) Wisconsin Administrative Code [exit DNR] for a comprehensive list of ineligible projects.

Deadlines

Deadlines

All application materials for projects beginning in 2025 are due April 15, 2024.

After the DNR receives the completed applications, DNR staff score and rank the applications. Top ranking projects are allocated available funds. Announcements of grant awards occur in the fall.

Applying

How to apply

To apply for a grant, choose the correct application from the charts below based on the project scale, implementation of NR 151 and/or TMDL requirements and agricultural or urban project location.

Applications must be sent electronically by April 15 of the calendar year prior to the awarded grant start year. If April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, April 16/17 will be the deadline.

Choosing the correct application

Be sure to download both the application and instructions. You will need the instructions when completing the application.

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Project scale? NR 151 implementation? TMDL implementation? Use application form:
Small Yes No
Small Yes Yes
Small No Yes

or
Large Yes No
Large Yes Yes
Large No Yes
Small/Large No No Do Not Apply

The TRM grant program offers a small-scale competitive grant for urban runoff management practices to address nonpoint source pollutants specified as causing impairments in areas addressed in an EPA-approved Total Maximum Daily Load report.

Find all Urban-related applications, instructions, Reimbursement and Resources forms, agreements and guides on the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grants webpage.

Reimbursement

Grant administration video tutorial and reimbursement checklist

The TRM grant administration video tutorial provides information about entering into cost-share agreements with landowners, seeking reimbursement from DNR, amending your grant, and submitting the final report. All grantees receiving grant awards should view the tutorial prior to submitting the first reimbursement request for their grant.

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Form ID Reimbursement forms Instructions
8700-336 Reimbursement Request Instructions for 8700-336
9300-230 Grant Partner Cost Sharing or Matching Report Must be completed and submitted with each reimbursement request if grant award includes federal funds.
8700-353 Force Account Certification Instructions for 8700-353
8700-354 Local Assistance Certification Instructions for 8700-354

If you are experiencing difficulties opening or viewing Portable Document Format (PDF) documents, see our PDF help page for helpful information.

Resources

Grant administration video tutorial

The TRM grant administration video tutorial provides information about entering into cost-share agreements with landowners, seeking reimbursement from DNR, amending your grant, and submitting the final report. All grantees receiving grant awards should view the tutorial prior to submitting the first reimbursement request for their grant.

Grant agreement amendment requests

Successful grant applicants enter into a contractual agreement with the DNR to commit funds for the purpose of implementing grant-eligible best management practices (BMPs). Grantees wishing to amend their existing grant agreement terms, including project scope, costs, and/or grant period, should contact their DNR Regional Coordinator listed on their grant agreement.

Grantees interested in adding, removing, or changing the location of BMPs to be installed, as described in their grant application or current grant agreement, must also complete an Amendment Request Form (Form 8700-308) [PDF].

Cost-share agreement forms

Grantees providing grant funds to private landowners must enter into a cost-share agreement (CSA) between the grantee and the landowner, listing the BMPs and establishing the conditions and considerations under which a cost-share recipient agrees to install and maintain the BMPs listed. In accordance with NR 153.22(4), Wis. Admin. Code, the grantee must obtain DNR approval from their DNR Regional Coordinator prior to executing the agreement. CSA forms are provided below.

Final report form

As of March 1, 2021, all active Targeted Runoff Management grantees must submit their final grant project report using the “BMP Implementation Tracking System” (BITS). Grantees may no longer use the Final Report Form (Form 3400-189A).

The BITS web page includes a user guide and video tutorial to aid TRM grantees submitting their final report via BITS for the first time. DNR staff are available to answer questions and assist grantees with using BITS.

Economic hardship forms

Grantees may exceed the cost-share limits identified under NR 154.03(1), Wis. Admin. Code, if the landowner or land operator that will provide the local share of project costs meets economic hardship requirements of NR 154.03(3), Wis. Admin. Code. Economic Hardship Affidavit and Notification of Determination Forms are provided below.

Grant administration guides and other resources

Property acquisition and appraisal information

Laws

Grant related statutes and administrative codes

Contact

Contact information

For questions about the grant application process, including project eligibility, please contact:
Joanna Griffin
Runoff Management Grants Program Coordinator

For questions about grant awards and financial administration, please contact:

Corinne Johnson
Nonpoint Source Program Grant Manager

For technical, project-specific questions related to a grant-funded project, please contact your DNR regional nonpoint source coordinator.