Biden-Harris Administration makes $80 million available for water conservation

  • Investments to help western states, tribes and U.S. territories increase water supply reliability.

The Bureau of Reclamation is making approximately $80 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available for water conservation, water management and restoration projects that will result in significant benefits to ecosystem or watershed health.

The Environmental Water Resource Projects selected in response to this funding opportunity are part of the WaterSMART Program, which received a $1 billion boost from the Infrastructure Law.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $8.3 billion for Reclamation water infrastructure projects over five years to advance drought resilience and expand access to clean water for families, farmers and wildlife. The investment will repair aging water delivery systems, secure dams, complete rural water projects, and protect aquatic ecosystems.

"Locally led water restoration projects are key to providing communities more access to clean, reliable water," said Deputy Commissioner Michael Brain. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing a significant investment for the restoration of river and stream habitats, watershed health and the surrounding environment that will lead to increased water availability for families, farmers and Tribes." 

The funding opportunity is available at grants.gov  under opportunity number R23AS00089. Applications are due by March 28, 2023, at 4 p.m. MDT.

About the entity

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation's second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

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