*New Grant Opportunity* Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund
We are pleased to announce the Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund is now accepting applications. This Fund will provide financial assistance to permanently abandon, repair or replace a water well used for household purposes.
The Department is accepting applications from low-to-moderate income households with domestic wells that are impacted by drought or wildfire. These impacted households are prioritized in order to meet urgent public health needs and based on the direction from the Oregon Legislature during the December 2021 special session. The Department anticipates a broader set of wells will be eligible for funding in future biennia.
Applications will be accepted year-round, depending on availability of funds.
Please see our website for the most current information.
OverviewThe Department seeks to build partnerships and incentivize Oregonians to pursue integrated and innovative solutions for complex water challenges and an uncertain water future. This work is accomplished through strategic investments, adaptive planning, cooperative partnerships, accessible information, and effective coordination. We have a number of funding opportunities that allow us to strategically invest in order to achieve a secure and sustainable water future, addressing instream and out-of-stream needs, for all Oregonians and Oregon's environment, economy, communities, and cultures. Learn more about our funding opportunities below.
Public Comment Opportunity
The Oregon Water Resources Department invites written public comment on applications received for Feasibility Study Grants. The Department received four applications requsting a total of $641,753 in grant funding. A multi-agency team reviewed each application and made funding recommendations. After reviewing public comments, the Department will make funding reccommendations for consideration and approval by the Water Resources Commission. The tentative date for the Commission to make its funding decision is at the June 15-16, 2023 meeting.
Written comments on the applications and funding recommendations will be accepted until April 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Submit all written comments to Feasibility Study Grants at WRD_DL_feasibilitystudygrants@water.oregon.gov or to the Grant Coordinator at 725 Summer Street NE, Suite A, Salem, Oregon 97301.
AnnouncementsWater Project Grants and Loans
The Oregon Water Resources Department invites applications for instream and out-of-stream water supply projects through the Water Project Grants and Loans funding opportunity. Funding for Water Project Grants and Loans is provided through the sale of lottery revenue bonds. The Department anticipates having $18.9 million available for the 2023 funding cycle.
Application materials for 2023 are now available.
2023 Water Project Grants and Loans applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 2023.
The Oregon Resources Commission awarded $6,642,745 in grants to fund three projects for the 2022 cycle of Water Project Grants and Loans.
Planning Grants
The Department is a funding partner in four places that are taking a collaborative, integrated approach to water planning. There is no funding currently available to support new water planning efforts. The Department is a funding partner in four places that are taking a collaborative, integrated approach to water planning. There is no funding currently available to support new water planning efforts.
Learn more about Planning Grants
Feasibility Study GrantsFeasibility Study Grants reimburse up to 50 percent of the costs of studies to evaluate the feasibility of developing water conservation, reuse, and storage projects. This competitive funding opportunity helps individuals and communities investigate whether a proposed project idea is actually feasible and worth pursuing. Grants are offered on an annual basis, with applications due each fall.
Learn more about Feasibility Study Grants
Water Project Grants & Loans
Water Project Grants and Loans provides funding for projects that will help Oregon meet its instream and out-of-stream water supply needs and produce economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits. This competitive funding opportunity is meant for implementation-ready projects. Grants and loans are offered on an annual basis, with the applications due each spring.
Learn more about applying for Water Project Grants and Loans.