Reclamation Approves $20.5 Million to Build Drought Resiliency in Five States
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Reclamation is making its initial 2022 selection of 13 projects for $20.5 million in grants to build long-term drought resiliency. These projects will leverage more than $66.7 million in non-federal funding to complete projects in five states.
“Climate change presents growing challenges to our communities across the West and the natural systems that we all depend on,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo. “The Department of the Interior will continue to work with our partners to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges we face.”
Reclamation will fund the projects through supplemental appropriations included in the first fiscal year 2022 continuing resolution. Reclamation may select additional drought resiliency projects once the regular fiscal year 2022 appropriations have been received. Applicants are being notified of project funding on a rolling basis.
“The Western United States is experiencing unprecedented dryness and drought,” said Chief Engineer David Raff. “This WaterSMART funding will help communities be more resilient and diversify their water supplies as climate change makes droughts worse.”
Reclamation’s Drought Response Program is part of WaterSMART. It supports a proactive approach to drought by providing water managers assistance to implement projects to build long-term resiliency to drought and climate change while supporting President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
The 13 selected projects are:
- Bear River Water Conservancy District (Utah), $2 million
- Bella Vista Water District (California), $2 million
- Casitas Municipal Water District (California), $2 million
- City of Fresno (California), $293,450
- City of Gallup (New Mexico), $2 million
- City of Grand Junction (Colorado), $300,000
- Delano-Earlimart Irrigation District (California), $2 million
- Deschutes Irrigation District (Oregon), $1,370,473
- North Kern Water Storage District (California), $500,000
- Rancho California Water District (California), $2 million
- San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (California), $2 million
- South Coast Water District (California), $2 million
- South San Joaquin Municipal Utility District (California), $2 million
Please visit the Drought Response Program website for project descriptions and information on the program.
Through WaterSMART, Reclamation works cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities to plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments to modernize existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Visit www.usbr.gov/watersmart to learn more.
Reclamation’s efforts will be boosted by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments in water efficiency and recycling programs, water storage, rural water projects, watershed projects, dam safety and other projects that will ensure that western communities have the opportunity to leverage federal funding for their benefit.
About the U.S. Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.
