Narragansett Bay and Water Restoration Fund (BWRF) Grants

DEM is seeking proposals for projects to improve water quality, build capacity for stormwater management, and restore aquatic habitats, including the control of aquatic invasive plants through its Narragansett Bay and Watersheds Restoration Fund. A total of $3 million in funding will be available as authorized in the 2022 voter-approved state Green Bond. 

Program Timeline

The deadline for proposals that target aquatic invasive plant control/management in lakes was February 16, 2024.  The deadline for other proposals under the Riparian Buffer and Aquatic Habitat Restoration Sub-Fund, as well as all proposals under the Non-Point Source and Stormwater Pollution Control Sub-Fund and Flood Prevention/Mitigation Sub-Fund, was February 28, 2024.  Projects that were submitted under the RFP are under review, and selected projects will be listed on this page in the near future. 

2024 Funding Priorities

Three categories of projects are being sought: 

  1. Non-point Source & Stormwater Pollution Control Projects – Projects that improve stormwater management and abate stormwater pollution with emphasis on green infrastructure, capital projects that strengthen local stormwater management programs, and projects that implement a Best Management Practice identified in an approved stormwater management plan or water quality restoration plan are encouraged. 
  2. Riparian Buffer and Aquatic Habitat Restoration Projects – Projects that address aquatic invasive plant management, particularly in lakes, riparian buffer restoration activities or other action to restore aquatic habitats. 
  3. Flood Prevention and Mitigation Projects - Projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flooding in coastal or inland areas and enhance natural ecosystem functions. Eligible projects include the restoration of floodplains, removal of impervious surfaces and re-vegetation in flood-prone areas, and culvert replacements, among others.  

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) announced the availability of grants to assist in the implementation of projects that abate water pollution, restore water quality, and mitigate flooding in Rhode Island. A Joint Request for Proposals (RFP) involving the Narragansett Bay and Water Restoration Fund (BWRF) and federal Nonpoint Source (NPS) Funds was released seeking proposals for projects to:

  • improve stormwater management;
  • reduce nonpoint sources (NPS) of pollution; and
  • prevent or mitigate the impacts of flooding in Rhode Island.

Grants have been awarded on a competitive basis using proceeds from state environmental bond referendums approved by voters in 2014 and 2016 (Green Economy Bond) as well as with federal Section 319 funds provided to RIDEM from EPA pursuant to the Clean Water Act.

2017 Grant Round Documents

For more information or questions, please contact: