North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund is an independent state agency. CWMTF receives a direct appropriation from the General Assembly in order to make grants to local governments, state agencies and conservation non-profits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems. The 21-member, independent CWMTF Board of Trustees has full responsibility over the allocation of its grant funds. CWMTF funds projects that (1) enhance or restore degraded waters, (2) protect unpolluted waters, and/or (3) contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. Project categories include land and conservation easement acquisition, wastewater improvement, stormwater management, stream bank restoration, and planning.