Watershed Restoration and Protection Program

The Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP) is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) of Pennsylvania and aims to reduce nonpoint source pollution and restore impaired waters across the state. Established under Act 13 of 2012 through the Marcellus Legacy Fund, the program directs financial resources toward stream restoration and maintenance projects that combat degradation caused by runoff from agricultural and urban sources. These impairments have been identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and impact over 8,100 miles of streams statewide. The WRPP specifically funds projects that implement or improve Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to mitigate runoff. Eligible efforts include construction, repair, expansion, or maintenance of watershed protection BMPs, stream bank stabilization using bioengineering techniques, water quality monitoring to track improvements, and administrative expenses directly related to the execution of the project. Funding may also be used to establish trust funds for long-term operation and maintenance, with specific caps in place for construction contingencies (5%), engineering and oversight (10%), administrative costs (2%), and maintenance trust funds (25%). Eligible applicants span a diverse range of organizational types, including municipalities (e.g., counties, cities, townships), councils of governments, 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in environmental or educational activities, institutions of higher education, recognized watershed organizations, and for-profit businesses (excluding natural gas producers under Act 13). All applicants must demonstrate compliance with applicable planning and permit requirements and provide detailed project cost estimates, match commitment documentation, and other supplemental materials at the time of application. A 15% cost share is required, which may include cash or the appraised value of real estate directly tied to the project scope. The application window opens annually on February 1st and closes on May 31st. Interested applicants must submit the electronic Single Application for Assistance through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) portal. Submissions must include a range of required exhibits such as project description, financials, cost estimates, maps, permits, and resolutions as outlined in the program guidelines. A $100 non-refundable application fee must be paid electronically before final submission. Applications are evaluated by the CFA based on cost-effectiveness, strategic importance, and the expected impact of proposed restoration efforts. Upon approval, award agreements are issued electronically, and grantees must execute and return them within 45 days. Disbursement of funds occurs at 30-day intervals and requires certification of eligible expenses. Projects involving construction must retain a licensed Pennsylvania engineer to verify compliance with approved plans. The WRPP is a recurring annual opportunity. For the 2026 cycle, applications opened on February 1, 2025, and will close on May 31, 2026. As the program occurs annually and this deadline is still in the future relative to the reference date of March 25, 2026, the program is currently accepting applications. The next cycle is expected to follow the same pattern, with the anticipated open window beginning in February 2027.

Align with PA DEP impaired waters list and priority watersheds; ensure cost estimates and match documentation are complete.