The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Section in the Office of Water Quality manages two federal pass-through grant programs aimed at improving water quality in the state: Section 319(h) and Section 205(j), each named after the portion of the Clean Water Act that authorizes the program.
The Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement TMDLs and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40% (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided. (20% if developing a watershed management plan).
Projects are administered through grant agreements that spell out the tasks, schedule, and budget for the project. Projects are normally two to three years long and work to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in the watershed
More Information can be Found on the IDEM website: https://www.in.gov/idem/nps
Smalls & Snapp/Kelso Creek 319 Implementation Grant
April 2026
There is a Riverwatch Training planned for June 3, 2026 at Oubache Trails Park Nature Center. This will run from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Contact the Knox County SWCD office to register at 812-882-8210 ext. 3407. See flyer for more details.
We continue to work on the cost-share program that will roll out in the fall of 2026.
To find out if you are in the Smalls or Snapp/Kelso Creek watershed, a Google Map can be found at https://tinyurl.com/5n88upmx.
March 2026
Our first steering committee meeting for the Implementation Grant went well. We discussed Best Management Practices (BMPs) that we would like to see implemented in the critical area of the watershed. We also discussed the cost-share guidelines that will be used for the program. We hope to finalized the guidelines at our next meeting, on Tuesday March 17 at noon, in the SWCD office. They may then be submitted to IDEM for approval.
To find out if you are in the Smalls or Snapp/Kelso Creek watershed, a Google Map can be found at https://tinyurl.com/5n88upmx.
The Steering Committee will meet at Noon on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Knox County SWCD office meeting room.
February 2026
We are currently asking for volunteers for a steering committee for the Snapp/Kelso and Smalls Creek Watershed Project. If you live or own property in the watershed perhaps you would like to join our committee. If you are interested, please contact the SWCD office at (812) 882-8210 for more information. To find out if you are in the Smalls or Snapp/Kelso Creek watershed, a Google Map can be found at https://tinyurl.com/5n88upmx.
The Steering Committee will meet at Noon on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Knox County SWCD office meeting room. At this meeting we will begin the process of designing a cost-share program for the critical area of the watershed.
January 2026
The 319 Implementation Grant for Smalls & Snapp/Kelso Creek Watersheds has started. This grant will enable the continuation of water sampling on a quarterly basis. The parameters that will be sampled using a handheld meter include temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, flow, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids. Vincennes University chemistry and biology labs will be helping with nitrogen and phosphorus testing. Vincennes Water Utilities lab will be doing E. coli and total suspended solids testing. The grant also allows for cost-share of BMPs. The steering committee will begin meeting again soon to discuss the details of a cost-share program that will roll out later this year.