Targeted Runoff Management Grant Programs

Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) grants are made available by the Department of Natural Resources to control nonpoint source pollution. The majority of TRM funds are to control pollution from farms. Governmental units submit project applications and use these funds to support cost-share agreements that are negotiated between the farmer and the governmental unit. In some cases, TRM funds are used by municipalities to control nonpoint pollution on municipally owned or operated lands.

How Can TRM Grant Money Be Used?

TRM grants can be used to fund the construction of BMPs to control nonpoint source pollution. TRM grants can also fund design of BMPs as part of a construction project. Design services provided by the private sector are cost shared by the state at the same rate as the BMP installation. Reimbursement by the state for force account work performed by municipal employees may be no more than 5% of the total project reimbursement. The cost-share rate for TRM projects is up to 70% of eligible costs (90% in cases of economic hardship).

TRM projects fall into four categories. Applications compete for funding only with others within the same category

Large-scale TMDL Projects

Only agricultural projects are eligible. These projects are designed to reduce pollution to surface waters as needed to meet the goals of an EPA-approved Total Maximum Daily Load. 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. Typical grants are approximately $500,000 - $1 million.

Large-scale non-TMDL Projects

Only agricultural projects are eligible. These projects are conducted outside TMDL areas. They focus on implementation of state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions and may be conducted in any area that has a qualifying plan. Protection and rehabilitation projects for both surface and ground water 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. Typical grants are approximately $500,000 - $1 million.

Small-scale TMDL Projects

Agricultural and urban nonpoint source control projects are eligible for funding. These projects are designed to reduce pollution to surface waters as needed to meet the goals of an EPA-approved Total Maximum Daily Load. 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 $150,000, and consequently are used to support a single best management practice.

Small-scale non-TMDL Projects

Only agricultural projects are eligible. These projects are conducted outside TMDL areas. They focus on implementation of state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions and may be conducted in any area to protect or rehabilitate surface or ground water. Projects run 2-3 years in duration. Grants are limited to $150,000, and consequently are used to support a single best management practice.

What projects are not funded by the TRM Grant Program?

TRM grants may not be used to fund the following:

• Projects to control pollution regulated under Wisconsin law as a point source. This includes activities to meet permit requirements for large livestock feeding operations regulated under ch. NR 243, Wis. Adm. Code, and municipal or industrial activities to meet permit requirements under ch. NR 216, Wis. Adm. Code.
• Construction site erosion control and post-construction structural BMPs for new development.
• Projects that are not water quality based (such as projects to solve drainage or flooding problems) or for dredging projects.

Contact Information

For more information about TRM and UNPS grants, please contact: Linda Talbot
For more information about NOD grants, please contact: Amy Callis