Applicants may qualify to receive 50-100% of the allowable costs related to the installation of eligible practices. The exact cost-share percentage provided by the Town will depend on the practices selected and an evaluation of the applicant's economic criteria, as outlined in the table below.
What is the Town Cost-Share Percentage?
The decision to fund a project will depend on the availability of funds within the approved program budget and the prioritization of the project.
Projects that are not funded during the upcoming fiscal year will remain on the list and may be considered for funding in subsequent years.
Cost-Share Rubric
The economic criteria used in the Cost-Share rubric are based on Orange County Affordable Housing statistics. These statistics provide a framework for determining eligibility and funding percentages and can be accessed here: Affordable Housing 101 | Orange County, NC
Town Cost-Share Percentage
Economic Criteria*
Eligible Practices
Practices in Regulated Areas
Practices in Upland Areas
Eligible for Affordable Housing
100%
100%
Income is between 80% AMI and 115% AMI
75%
50%
Income is greater than 115% AMI
50%
0%
*Applicants self-certification of adjusted taxable income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by HUD for the Durham-Chapel Hill Metro Area at the time of application. The Town reserves the right to request documentation (most recent tax return) on a case-by-case basis.
What is the Cost-Share application process?
Homeowners who have received a Conservation Report from their site assessment are eligible to apply for Cost-Share. Applications are accepted at least once per year. Check back for updates!
Steps to Apply
Find a Qualified Contractor: Identify a contractor to install the recommended practice(s) outlined in the Conservation Plan Report.
Obtain an Estimate: The contractor will provide an estimate, which will be used when completing the application form.
Complete and Submit the Application: Fill out the Cost-Share application form, including all required details, and submit it for review.
Application Review: Submitted applications will be reviewed by staff. Costs and project scores will be evaluated based on the Town's Cost-Share Percentage Table and the Watershed Restoration Residential Assistance Program Ranking Sheet.
Notification of Funding: Applicants will be notified if their project is selected for funding by the Town.
Finalize Agreements: Successful applicants will complete all necessary agreements and legal documentation.
Cost-Share Application Process
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Homeowner will find a qualified contractor to install the recommended practice(s)
Contractor will estimate cost to install the practice(s)
Homeowner will fill out and submit a Cost-Share application form
Important Information
Processing Time: Applications may take up to one month to process.
No Guarantee: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding, nor does it oblige the Town to any specific actions. Any work completed before a signed cost‑share agreement is in place will not be eligible for reimbursement. Applicants will be responsible for all costs exceeding the approved maximum Town contribution.
Affordable Housing Assistance: Applicants qualifying for affordable housing can receive help finding a qualified local contractor. If you already have a contractor in mind, ensure they are certified to perform the recommended stormwater services.
For any questions, please contact the Stormwater Assistance Coordinator for further guidance.
How are projects ranked for cost-share?
Projects are ranked using the provided Watershed Restoration Ranking Sheet. This sheet evaluates which projects hold the highest priority, factoring in the economic criteria outlined in the Cost-Share rubric above. Rankings help determine funding decisions and ensure resources are distributed equitably and effectively.