ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR INSTREAM FLOWS ENHANCEMENT
The California Department of Water Resources, in coordination with the California Natural Resources Agency, will be accepting proposals for the Instream Flow Water Purchase Program, formerly named the Protecting California’s Rivers, Streams, and Watersheds grant program. Starting May 19, 2023, proposals will be accepted until funds are expended. All documents are submitted using the Department of Water Resources Grants Review and Tracking System (GRanTS), which can be found at: http://www.water.ca.gov/grants/. The application period will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on March 31, 2024.
Voters and the Legislature have authorized funding of projects that measurably enhance streamflow at a time and location necessary to provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or that improve upon existing flow conditions. To ensure the greatest environmental benefit, promote the recovery of species, and improve upon existing flow conditions, the Instream Flow Water Purchase Program’s focus shall be on funding the acquisition of instream flows in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed provided January through June, with priority for flows provided in dry and critically dry water year types. Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit groups, and public local entities that meet minimum qualifications set forth in these Guidelines.
Approximately up to $125 million of Prop. 68 funding and up to $235 million of general fund water resilience funding from previous budget cycles will be available for award. Under the program, the state will fund contracts, acquisition of water rights or land tied to water rights, or other projects that measurably enhance beneficial instream flows.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FINAL GRANT GUIDELINES
HOW TO SUBMIT REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All documents are submitted using the Department of Water Resources Grants Review and Tracking System (GRanTS), which can be found at: http://www.water.ca.gov/grants/
The name of this Program in GRanTS is “Instream Flow Water Purchase Program.” To access this Program, applicants must have an account in GRanTS or register if they have not already done so.
Applicants are encouraged to review the GRanTS Quick Reference Guide and Frequently Asked Questions available at the above link and set up their GRanTS account well in advance of the application deadline. If an applicant has issues with GRanTS or questions related to the application, they may contact DWR at the phone number or e-mail listed below.
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For technical assistance with GRanTS, please contact the GRanTS Help Desk.
Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: (888) 907-4267
Email: Grantsadmin@water.ca.gov
