The Bureau of Reclamation recently selected projects in 11 states, most in the west, to share $17.3 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants.
The competitive grants awarded to 22 projects are aimed at improving water use efficiency, increasing renewable energy production, reducing water conflict risk and providing "other benefits that will enhance water supply sustainability in the Western United States," according to the May 16 Bureau of Reclamation news release.
"Conserving water is saving energy and helping western communities become more resilient to drought," Bureau Acting Commissioner David Palumbo said in the news release. "Water and Energy Efficiency Grants provide communities with the necessary, cost-shared funding to modernize their existing infrastructure and conserve water for their communities and the environment."
The projects selected include lining and piping canals, upgrading water meters and timers, implementing solar to reduce power demand on fossil fuel driving plants and installing automated gate controls. The projects are located in California, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
According to details on which projects will receive grants, the funded projects include lining of the Mohave Canal in California’s Bard Water District; installation of smart irrigation timers in Fresno; the first phase of low resolution meter replacement in the Moulton Niguel Water District in California; and upgrading the metering infrastructure and customer engagement in the Otay Water District in California, among others.
Additionally, in Idaho, the Conveyance Improvement Project by the Enterprize Canal Company has been funded, as has the lining of Conant Creek Canal and installation of head gate remote control and flow meters for the Henry’s Fork Foundation in Idaho. Projects in Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada and other states have been funded as well, according to the project list from the Bureau of Reclamation.
"The projects announced today are an example of the Biden-Harris administration's actions to help ensure we are using as many tools as possible to build resiliency and respond to the ongoing drought," Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo said in the news release. "The funding for these projects is an example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is supporting the Department of the Interior’s work to address the impacts of climate change by helping water districts become more efficient in water delivery."
This funding supplements Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment, which includes $400 million spanning five years for WaterSMART grants, including drought resiliency projects, according to the news release. This year, the bureau is making $160 million available, and will release other funding opportunities this spring.
