Water Quality Division

Priority Watershed Cost-Share Program

The Water Quality Division is responsible for the prioritization and management of nonpoint source pollution of the state's waters. This is done through the Priority Watersheds Program. As such, the division director chairs the state's Nonpoint Source Working Group that selects priority watersheds to participate in a federal/state cost-share program for watershed restoration projects. Priority Watershed Projects are then implemented in those watersheds. Federal funding for the projects is provided under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). State funding is allocated by the Oklahoma State Legislature. Private citizens who sign up to receive financial and technical assistance under the projects also contribute a share. For more information on the Priority Watershed Cost-Share Program, contact the WQ Cost-Share Director, Jim Leach, at 405-522-4740.