In an effort to improve water conservation, the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART program will fund 227 projects in Western states with $73.2 million in funding.
The funding also includes Applied Science Grants, which will extend $3.1 million for 20 projects in 11 western states, and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is now accepting applications for its 2021 Applied Science Program funding. The application period closes Oct. 7, according to OSMRE.
“Applicants may request funding up to $200,000, which would be awarded through a cooperative agreement,” OSMRE said in a statement.
The organization also pointed out in its release that the agreements are set for a period of time that is in line with the proposal and generally are not extended beyond two years from the date of the award.
“Applied Sciences funding results in the improved protection of the public and the environment by advancing technology development and transfer related to surface coal mining and reclamation,” OSMRE said.
According to the DOI, efforts such as the Applied Science grants ensure water preservation, protect engendered species and improve reforestation issues.
“Through WaterSMART, Reclamation will continue to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply through investments to modernize existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts,” the Bureau of Reclamation noted in a statement.
According to OSMRE, nonprofit organizations, for-profit groups, Native American tribal groups, local, state and federal governments and education institutions are eligible for the grants.
OSMRE also noted in its release that the grants are part of its Technical Studies Program, designed to develop enhanced technologies to tackle key environmental issues tied to coal mining and reclaiming the land after the mining is completed.
According to the DOI, the program also focuses on enhancing conservation efforts and helps water resource personnel make informed decisions on water conservation. It also helps ensure clean drinking water will be available for future generations, the DOI stated.
