WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026
This funding opportunity provides financial support for states, Tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations to restore aquatic ecosystems and improve biodiversity through various projects.
The Bureau of Reclamation is offering funding through the WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026. This funding opportunity supports projects that restore and enhance aquatic ecosystems in alignment with WaterSMART goals. The program focuses on improving ecological health, enhancing aquatic habitat, and increasing resilience to climate-related water challenges. It aims to provide financial support to entities working on habitat restoration, including river and wetland rehabilitation, streamflow enhancement, and similar conservation efforts. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that restore aquatic ecosystems, benefiting both the environment and communities that rely on these water sources. The program seeks to promote sustainable water management and ecological resilience by funding initiatives that mitigate environmental degradation and contribute to long-term conservation efforts. It emphasizes collaboration between public and private organizations to implement effective restoration projects. Funding for this opportunity is offered through both cooperative agreements and grants, with an estimated total program funding of $95 million. Individual awards will range between $500,000 and $10 million, and up to 20 awards are expected to be distributed. A cost-sharing or matching funds requirement is in place, ensuring that applicants contribute financially to the proposed projects. Eligible applicants fall under the "Others" category, with additional clarification needed to determine the specific organizations that can apply. However, past opportunities under the WaterSMART initiative have typically supported nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and tribal organizations involved in conservation and restoration efforts. The grant application period is currently paused and under review, with an updated closing date of April 15, 2025. Electronically submitted applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time on the closing date. The funding opportunity was originally posted on December 10, 2024, with a prior application deadline of February 17, 2026, before being updated. Potential applicants are encouraged to monitor updates from the Bureau of Reclamation regarding changes to eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria. For additional details or application guidance, applicants may contact Alisha James at [email protected].
Award Range
$500,000 - $10,000,000
Total Program Funding
$95,000,000
Number of Awards
20
Matching Requirement
Yes - Match Required.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible Category A ApplicantsStates, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority;Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands.Eligible Category B Applicants:Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:Is acting in partnership with the applicant;Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; andIntends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
December 10, 2024
Application Closes
April 15, 2025
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