Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
Secretary Deb Haaland announced at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration in Albuquerque the availability of up to $95 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for projects to bolster water resources, advance ecosystem health, and support resilience in communities facing climate change impacts. Haaland emphasized the importance of nature in the fight against climate change, stating, “Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change.”
Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton expressed the agency's commitment to leveraging the funding from the Biden-Harris administration to benefit ecosystem health and water resources. Touton stated, “Reclamation will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to leverage this once-in-a-generation investment.”
The Interior Department is stewarding an overall $2 billion over five years in new investments to restore the nation’s lands and waters. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which represents the largest investment in climate resilience in the nation’s history. The agenda aims to enhance Western communities’ resilience to drought and climate change.
Projects that provide benefits to multiple water use sectors will be prioritized under the grant application process. The funding opportunity includes two submittal periods with deadlines on June 18, 2024, and March 11, 2025. Those interested can learn more about the opportunity by visiting Grants.gov and searching for funding opportunity R24AS00299.
The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure improvements, river and watershed restoration, and nature-based solution projects. This funding builds on last year’s investments, which included $51 million for 30 projects in 11 states.
The Environmental Water Resources Projects are part of the WaterSMART Program, which addresses increasing water supply challenges. The program aims to tackle chronic water shortages due to various factors such as population growth, climate variability, and growing competition for finite water supplies. More information about the program can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart.
