Small municipalities in Massachusetts faced challenges addressing water pollution from nonpoint sources (NPS) due to insufficient financial and technical resources for developing watershed plans and competitive grant proposals. To assist, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) launched the Regional NPS Coordinators (RNC) initiative, partnering with regional planning agencies.
Four agencies received Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution grants and supported municipalities in identifying NPS needs, developing plans, and submitting proposals. The RNCs, initially faced with relationship-building challenges, emphasized engaging local champions and aligning community and regional priorities. Over three years, they helped develop 16 watershed-based plans, a 44% increase statewide.
They submitted 30 proposals for funding, showing a 63% increase over the previous 20-year average. Monthly meetings among coordinators facilitated sharing resources and collaboration. The initiative’s success led to continued funding in subsequent federal fiscal years, underscoring the effectiveness of regional support for local communities in managing NPS pollution.
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