The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established both the PROTECT Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs. The PROTECT Discretionary Grants Program funds projects on a competitive basis that address the climate crisis by … Read more
The Environmental Water Resources Projects is a competitive grant program that received new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to design, implement, and monitor conservation outcomes of habitat restoration projects that improve watershed health in a river basin that is adversely impacted by a Bureau of Reclamation water project. Applicants may apply for up to $3 million in Reclamation funding for their project, which should not exceed $6 million in total project costs.
Eligible Uses
Projects that accomplish one of more of the following:
- Water conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values or watershed health
- Water management or infrastructure improvements to benefit ecological values or watershed health
- Watershed restoration projects benefiting ecological values or watershed health that have a nexus to water resources or water resources management
Eligible Recipients
State, Tribes, local government, irrigation districts, regional authorities, or organizations with power or water delivery authority, and non-profit conservation organizations working in partnership with an entity that has water or power delivery authority are eligible recipients.
Approx Annual Funding Amount
The BIL provided $100 million in funding for Multi-Benefit Projects for Watershed Health for FY2022-FY2026 that will be distributed through this funding opportunity, with an additional $100 million available for WaterSMART projects that would improve natural or nature-based features. This funding opportunity will also utilize WaterSMART annual appropriations and other funding sources as available.
Cost Share Requirements
A 75% Federal cost share (up to $3 million) may be provided if it is determined that the project will provide significant ecological benefits and/or was developed collaboratively. If the project is not determined to meet these qualifications, the applicant may receive up to 50% Federal cost share.
Application Cycle
Applications are typically due in mid to late spring (March/April).
Contact
For more information please contact Ms. Robin Graber (Program Coordinator) at rgraber@usbr.gov.
Other Info
- Applicants may apply for up to $3 million in Reclamation funding for their project, which should not exceed $6 million in total project costs.
- This program is covered under the Justice40 Initiative.
