WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation announced that it is making grant funding available to assist communities build long-term resilience for future droughts. Part of the WaterSMART Drought Response Program, this funding opportunity is for projects in 2020 and 2021.
"Drought across the West is more of a norm than an exception today that severely impacts everyone and everything," said Commissioner Burman. "These grants show Reclamation's commitment to supporting western communities as they build drought resiliency through innovation, investment and collaboration."
Eligible applicants for funding include states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the western United States or U.S. territories. New this year, projects in Alaska and Hawaii are also eligible.
Funding is available for projects that:
* Increase the reliability of water supplies through infrastructure improvements
* Improve water management through decision support tools, modeling and measurement
* Provide protection for fish, wildlife and the environment.
Up to $300,000 per agreement is available for a project that can be completed within two years. Up to $750,000 per agreement is available for a project that can be completed within three years. Recipients must match the funding with a minimum of 50% non-federal cost-share.
"While many areas across the West have received good snow pack and more plentiful water supplies this year, some areas were not so lucky. As each of us knows, this could be a one-year blip. We need to take advantage of this break to plan and prepare for the next drought. This reminds us that drought planning, in advance of a crisis, is far more cost-effective than addressing it during the drought," said Reclamation’s Drought Response Program Manager Darion Mayhorn.
Applications are due on Oct. 16, 2019, for projects in 2020. Applications are due on Oct. 14, 2020, for projects in 2021. Learn more at www.grants.gov by searching for funding opportunity number BOR-DO-20-F002.
Visit Reclamation's WaterSMART program at www.usbr.gov/watersmart and the Drought Response Program at www.usbr.gov/drought.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
