Project Design Grants

New for 2023, Project Design Grants offers cost sharing with Reclamation for the site-specific final design of medium and large-scale on-the ground water supply construction (including domestic water supply projects for Tribes, insular areas, and disadvantaged communities), water management construction, and restoration projects. Prior to applying for a Project Design Grant, it is expected that applicants will have already performed some general planning work and preliminary studies that led to the identification of a specific location for project design. Project Design Grants should result in a final design package at approximately 60% design level.

Announcements

• Biden-Harris administration provides more than $11 million for water sustainability and efficiency as part of Investing in America agenda

  The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an $11.1 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support collaborative planning and design projects that improve water sustainability and efficiency. The 34 grants through Reclamation’s WaterSMART program will support projects in 11 states and Guam. Funding for these grants is provided through President’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Read More →

  Project Descriptions

• FY24 Planning and Project Design Grants, and FY24 Drought Resiliency Projects Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar on Thursday, August 24th, to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for both the Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity and the Drought Resliency Prjects funding opportunity. The new Planning and Project Design Grants funding opportunity includes Water Strategy Grants, Project Design Grants, and Drought Contingency Planning.

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• Biden-Harris Administration Makes Nearly $200 Million Available for Drought and Climate Resiliency Projects as Part of Investing in America Agenda

  The Department of the Interior today announced up to $195 million in funding opportunities available through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to develop a more resilient water supply, support cooperative watershed management and safeguard aquatic ecosystems. The funds come primarily from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s WaterSMART program, as well as from the Inflation Reduction Act and annual appropriations. Read More →