Overview
The 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 seven applications requesting $814,052 in grant funding. A multi-agency team reviewed each application and made funding recommendations. After reviewing public comments, the Department will make funding recommendations for consideration and approval by the Water Resources Commission. The tentative date for the Commission to make its funding decision is at the June 2022 meeting.
Written comments on the applications and funding recommendations will be accepted until 5:00pm, April 29, 2022. Submit all written comments to Feasibility Study Grants at WRD_DL_feasibilitystudygrants@water.oregon.gov
OR
Grant Program Coordinator
725 Summer Street NE, Suite A
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-509-7938
Announcements
Water 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 $9.3 million available for the 2022 funding cycle. An additional $15 million in lottery revenue bonds, scheduled to be sold in March 2023, will provide funding for future cycles.
Application materials for 2022 are now available.
2022 Water Projects Grants and Loans applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2022.
2021 Awards
The Oregon Water Resources Commission awarded $7,549,376 in grants to six projects for the 2021 cycle of Water Project Grants and Loans. The funding awards are made based on the public benefits the project would achieve as described in the project application. Based on currently available funds, two projects were immediately awarded funding. An additional four projects were provisionally awarded funding, with funding anticipated to be available in May 2022.
Learn more about applications and awards on the Funding Cycle History page
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.