WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To provide cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and construction of projects that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, river and watershed restoration, and nature-based solutions projects. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State
- County governments
- City / township governments
- Special district governments
- Tribally designated organizations
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Native American Tribal governments
Non-profit conservation organizations acting in partnership with an entity with water or power delivery authority
Watershed Groups acting in partnership with an entity with water or power delivery authority
In accordance with various authorities, eligible applicants include States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts, and other entities with water or power delivery authority. Nonprofit conservation organizations and watershed groups are also eligible to apply if they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of an entity described above. Applicants must also be located in the western U.S. or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically, in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
The Notice of Funding Opportunity will contain all information regarding application procedures for submitting applications, instructions, and points of contact.
Award Procedure
Proposals received in response to the funding opportunity are reviewed through a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the funding opportunity. Reclamation will make awards to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.
See Reclamation’s WaterSMART website https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ for schedule information.
Program details & compliance
Description
The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity provides cost-shared financial assistance for the construction of beneficial water resources projects that improve water management for multiple uses and interests, were collaboratively developed, and provide significant watershed health benefits.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity provides cost-shared financial assistance for construction or implementation of beneficial water resources projects that improve water management for multiple uses and interests, were collaboratively developed, and provide significant watershed health benefits. Common project activities include restoration, infrastructure removal or modification, implementation of nature-based solutions, forest and floodplain management activities, habitat enhancement actions, and more.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements