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The Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced $193 million in grant funding has been made available to help local agencies advance water infrastructure and resilience projects.
Financed by voter-approved Proposition 1, $167.5 million is available through the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Program to implement projects that respond to local challenges by improving water supply reliability, reducing fire risk, increasing water storage, and improving water quality — including treating drinking water — while adapting for future challenges caused by climate change and drought. The remaining $25.5 million is reserved to fund projects that will benefit disadvantaged communities.
“As a state we must prepare now for continued impacts to our water supply from a changing climate. We must invest in water infrastructure and work towards a droughtproof and sustainable water supply that supports our communities and the environment into the future,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “This funding will help regions and local agencies increase self-reliance and implement projects that best suit the needs of their area.”
The funding will be delivered through two phases. The first phase applications are due by August 19 of this year. Applications for the second phase of funding must be submitted by February 1, 2023. Applicants must coordinate through their respective established IRWM Regional Water Management Group.
This solicitation will award all remaining funding in the Proposition 1 IRWM Program. In 2020, DWR awarded $211 million to 42 IRWM regions for implementation projects including approximately $25 million for projects benefiting disadvantaged communities.
For more information about upcoming grant opportunities, visit DWR’s Grants and Loans webpage.
