Water Resources Development Grant Program
Grant application deadlines
For State and Local projects, there is one grant application cycle per fiscal year. The current spring 2026 application cycle ends on June 30, and the next spring 2027 application cycle will begin on Jan 1, 2027. The updated spring 2026 guidelines and application form have been uploaded under the headings listed below for State and Local Projects and NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Projects.
At this time, there is no update on 2026 funding availability for the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund.
Overview
The purpose of this program is to provide cost-share grants and technical assistance to local governments throughout the state. Applications for grants are accepted for seven eligible project types: general navigation, recreational navigation, water management, stream restoration, water-based recreation, Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) stream restoration projects and feasibility/engineering studies. The navigation and coastal storm damage mitigation projects are collectively referred to as coastal infrastructure projects. The non-navigation projects are collectively referred to as state and local projects.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact grant managers Amin Davis (state and local projects) and Kevin Hart (general and recreational navigation projects) for assistance in developing a competitive grant application.
Note: The N.C. General Assembly placed a 50% matching limit on certain Water Resources Development Project Grants during the 2020 legislative session. The limit will remain in place until rescinded by the General Assembly.
Project Grant Forms and Documents
Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund
Flood Resiliency Projects (Spring 2025)
- Flood Resiliency Q&A
- Guidelines
- Application
- No Conflict of Interest Certification
- Conflict of Interest Policy Template
- No Overdue Tax Debts Template
- Resolution Template
- Geotagged Photo Guidance
Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Projects
- Guidelines
- Application Form
- Resolution Template
- Grant Reimbursement Template
- No Overdue Tax Debts Template
- Conflict of Interest Policy Template
State and Local Projects (Spring 2026)
- State and Local Overview
- Guidelines
- Application Form
- No Conflict of Interest Certification
- Conflict of Interest Policy Template
- Resolution Template
- Feasibility/Engineering Study Resolution Template
- No Overdue Tax Debts Template
- Basis For Claimed Value of Land Sheet
- WRDG Program Presentation
- Geotagged Photo Guidance
NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Projects (Spring 2026)
- Guidelines
- Application Form
- EQIP Guidelines for Natural Stream Channel Work
- No Conflict of Interest Certification
- Conflict of Interest Policy Template
- Resolution Template
- Resolution Affirmation Document
- Eligible Practices Summary
- No Overdue Tax Debts Template
- Geotagged Photo Guidance