Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant FY27 RFR

The FY 27 Drinking Water Supply Protection (DWSP) Grant is a reimbursement‑type grant administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to help eligible public entities acquire land or land interests that protect existing or future drinking‑water supply sources. Eligible applicants (municipalities, water districts, fire districts) can receive up to 60 % of approved project costs, capped at $375,000, provided they have matching non‑state funding. Applications must be submitted by March 4 2027, and the acquisition must be completed by June 30 2028. The program requires a public‑hearing approval by MassDEP, a governing‑body vote, and detailed documentation (appraisal, maps, stewardship plan, etc.). • Reimburses acquisition costs (land, title work, surveys, baseline documentation) – not construction or infrastructure. • Requires 60 % state reimbursement with a mandatory non‑state match; total project cost can exceed the grant ceiling. • Strict eligibility criteria for land (≥ 50 % in qualified protection zones, no prior protection status, no recent 501(c)(3) purchase). • Mandatory information session (Dec 1 2026) is strongly encouraged but not required. • Funding is a one‑time FY 27 award; no annual renewal.