The North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey 104(b) program, is requesting proposals for the 2027-2028 WRRI-USGS 104(b) competitive grants program. Faculty or university affiliates of any accredited college or university in North Carolina are eligible to apply. See the full application here: https://wrri.ncsu.edu/funding/wrri-usgs-104b-grants/

“NC WRRI is pleased to continue partnering with the USGS to sponsor critical research needed for the State of NC,” says John Fear, Deputy Director of WRRI.

The 104(b) competitive grants program is designed to address growing challenges and research needs related to water management and water quality and to explore novel solutions. Past proposals have investigated erosion controls, wastewater treatment, emerging contaminant pollution in waterways, and community responses to water-related natural disasters. Funded researchers are encouraged to engage local communities to stimulate interest in water research. 

Kaitlin Tucker, Research and Engagement Coordinator for WRRI, says “NC WRRI research is always based on the current needs of the state, as determined by our Advisory committee, the Urban and Stormwater Consortiums and our vast network of partners.”

Pre-proposals may address research questions and methods in the fields of social science, education, communications, natural science, engineering, economics, policy, or a combination of these disciplines (as applied to the focus areas below). Proposals should include meaningful public engagement and participation, as well as extension activities or collaboration with members of the communities where research is to take place. 104(b) Grant recipients may also work together with the state’s Urban Water Consortium (UWC) and Stormwater Consortium (SWC) to apply research to water and wastewater utilities and North Carolina’s municipal programs.

See the research projects for currently funded faculty teams here: https://wrri.ncsu.edu/wrris-2026-faculty-researchers-announced/

Research priorities for the 2027-2028 funding period include:

• Non-point source and stormwater management
• Drinking water, wastewater, and water infrastructure
• Surface and groundwater quality and quantity
• Water resources and watershed management

See the RFP for details related to each focus area. Join an informational webinar on September 17, 2026.

Pre-proposals are due October 12, 2026 at 5pm and must be submitted through the eNCWRRI online portal.

For more information, contact John Fear ([email protected]) or Kaitlin Tucker ([email protected]).