Last week, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released the Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for stakeholders who wish to apply for the 2015 Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants. The deadline to submit applications is March 30, 2016.
$30 million in grant funding is available for a wide range of agricultural water use efficiency projects that include both implementation projects (e.g., construction projects) and non-implementation projects (e.g., research and training). According to the Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package, “A proposed project must generate State benefits to be eligible for grant funding. Benefits to the State include: water savings; increased in-stream flow or improved flow timing; improved water quality; increased energy conservation; reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and increased local water supply reliability. Only agricultural water use efficiency projects are eligible for funding.”
Public agencies, state and federally recognized tribal governments, universities, and non-profit organization are eligible to apply for the competitive grant program. However, private entities with qualifying projects may join with an eligible entity to become a designated grant recipient.
Funding for the grants was included as part of the statewide Water Bond proposal (Proposition 1) which was passed overwhelmingly by California voters on November 4, 2014.
A workshop/webinar will be held on February 10, 2016, to provide information on how to apply to prospective applicants.
Workshop Info
February 10, 2016
10:00 a.m. to Noon (PST)
Department of Water Resources
Large Conference Room, 2nd Floor
901 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(Workshop will also be webcast)
Visit http://www.water.ca.gov/wuegrants/SolicitationsProp1AG.cfm for more information on the program.
Other questions? Please contact WGs’ Gail Delihant at (916) 446-1435.
