WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects
On March 24, 2022, The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Drought Response Program’s Drought Resiliency Projects (DRP). This funding opportunity supports the implementation of drought mitigation projects that will build long-term resilience to drought. Through this funding opportunity, Reclamation provides financial assistance for projects that, when implemented, will increase water supply reliability and improve water management.
The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. MDT to discuss eligible applicants, project types, and the evaluation criteria for the DRP funding opportunity. Click here to join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event. Attached is a flyer with more information about the webinar for you to share with anyone who may be interested.
The funding opportunity is available on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number R23AS00005. Applications are due by June 15, 2022, at 4 pm MDT.
The DRP funding opportunity offers three funding groups: Funding Group I is up to $500,000 in federal cost-share for projects that can be completed in 2 years, Funding Group II is up to $2 million in federal cost-share for projects that can be completed in three years, and Funding Group III is up to $5 million in federal cost-share for projects that can be completed in 3 years. Federal cost-share is limited to 50% of total project costs. A 50 percent minimum recipient cost-share is required.
Eligible applicants include:
- States, Tribes, irrigation districts and water districts.
- State, regional or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority.
- Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.
- Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with an entity listed.
Applicants must be in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico.
If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select Drought Resiliency Projects Inquiry to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.
