Region of the Great Bend of the Wabash River Cost-Share Program
The Wabash River Enhancement Corporation is currently accepting applications to help fund nature-based solutions in the Region of the Great Bend of the Wabash River watershed.
Helping you improve our river health
WREC’s cost share program can provide up to 75% of the total cost for projects designed to improve water quality in Tippecanoe County. The funding is divided up in to three categories: septic tanks, urban nature-based solutions, and farmland. The details of each category are below. To obtain funding, projects must meet these requirements:
The parcel must be located within Tippecanoe County.
Practices must be included on our list of fundable practices.
Urban projects should meet with WREC staff to discuss their project. Rural and agricultural projects should meet with Tippecanoe Soil and Water staff before applying. Septic tank projects require a quote from 2026 from a company on the Tippecanoe Health Department’s list of approved installers.
Applicants must receive a letter of approved funding before beginning their project.
Each category has an application deadline so that our committee can review all applicants at one time! Read the descriptions below to see the deadlines.
How Our Program Works
WREC, in partnership with the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District, provide landowner assistance, technical expertise, and consultation free of charge. Contact WREC or the Tippecanoe County SWCD to discuss your project and to learn more about the program.
After we meet for a consulation, or if you already have a a project designed, you then download a pdf application or submit your application online. If you downloaded an application, please email your completed application to our Watershed Coordinator for submittal. WREC staff will contact you once we receive your application to discuss your project, obtain site plans and photographs, and determine any additional needs to process your application. All projects will be ranked using our standardized urban and agricultural ranking forms, then reviewed by our urban and agricultural committees to determine funding for top projects.
Completed project applications will be reviewed by the agricultural and urban committees within one month of the application due date. Once reviewed, WREC staff will forward applications to our funding agency for approval. If approved, WREC staff will meet with grant recipients to sign contracts and discuss project specifics. No work can be complete prior to contract signature. Additionally, all work must be completed on a reimbursement basis. Any work completed before signature will not be reimbursed.
Septic Tanks
We are offering reimbursement-based funding for septic pumps, inspections, and improvements. Well maintained septic tanks keep human waste out of our streams. Any septic tank in Tippecanoe County qualifies. A quote acquired in 2026 from a septic company on the Tippecanoe Health Department’s approved list is required to be submitted with an application.
Qualifying applicants must have:
- a septic system in Tippecanoe County
- a quote and cost estimate from a septic company on the Health Department’s approved installer list
- a completed application submitted by May 15, 2026
- a septic tank with a needed repair, a needed inspection, or a needed pumping
NOTE: Project funding is not guaranteed. The septic work will take place after applications have been approved.
Questions? email our watershed coordinator , Amy, at watershed AT wabashriver.net or call her office at 765-807-1315
Applications are due May 15, 2026
Urban Cost-Share Program
Small property owners in Tippecanoe County have a unique opportunity to improve water quality in the Wabash River. Landowners in Tippecanoe County are eligible for assistance of up to 75% of the cost of design and installation of specific green practices.
Urban projects we fund:
- rain gardens
- rain barrels – standard sizes from the City or large rain barrels from online stores
- native plants
- trees
- turf to prairie conversion
WREC staff can provide free site visits to look at your property and give advice. Contact our Watershed Coordinator at the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation at watershed AT wabashriver.net to schedule your free consultation.
NOTE: Scheduling a free site visit does not guarantee project funding.
Need help installing or winterizing your rain barrel? Follow those links to learn more, or give us a shout if you need more help:
watershed AT wabashriver.net
Applications are due March 15, 2026
Agricultural Cost-Share Program
Agricultural landowners in our target area have a unique opportunity to improve water quality in the Wabash River. The Tippecanoe County SWCD is the contact agency for our cost share program. Landowners in Tippecanoe County are eligible for assistance of up to 75% of the cost of design and installation of specific ag conservation practices.
Agricultural projects we fund:
- equipment modifications that support low till, cover crops, or nutrient management
- buffer strips
- conservation tillage
- cover crops
- grassed waterways
- nutrient and pest management
- prescribed grazing
- heavy use area protection
- stream crossings
- streambank stabilization
- prairie plantings and conservation cover
- tree planting
- two-stage ditch construction
- bioreactor
- drainage water management
- livestock management
- wetland restoration and constructed wetlands
- invasive brush management
Technical assistance is free and we’re offering agricultural landowners free consultation services through our partners at the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District. Contact the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District at 765-494-9992 to schedule your site visit or learn more.
Applications are due March 15, 2026
