Overview
Place-Based Water Planning Grants support place-based initiatives to bring interested parties together, develop and update place-based water plans, and coordinate implementation of state-recognized plans. More information on Place-Based Water Planning can be found here.
Place-Based Water Planning Grants support four different phases of planning:
- Planning Readiness Evaluation and Preparation (PREP) Grants support the preparation for or assessment of a community's readiness to engage in place-based integrated water resources planning.
- Plan Development Grants support the development of place-based integrated water resources plans.
- Post-Plan Coordination Grants support implementation coordination of state-recognized place-based integrated water resources plans.
- Plan Update Grants support updates to state-recognized place-based integrated water resources plans.
Updates and AnnouncementsPlace-Based Water Planning Handbook
The Place-Based Water Planning Handbook offers
guidance for future Place-Based Water Planning efforts and information
about maintaining state recognition of current Place-Based Water Plans.
It reflects the evolution of Oregon’s Place-Based Water Planning program
and incorporates lessons learned from past planning efforts, agency
collaboration, and public engagement. The Handbook is grounded in Oregon
Revised Statutes 537.872–537.873 and Oregon Administrative Rules
690-602. It was developed with input from state natural resource
agencies, Tribes, and the public.
Learn about the Place-Based Water Planning program and the Handbook
at a virtual webinar on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The webinar will focus on the updated Place-Based Water Planning
program and state agency support. The presentation will be recorded and
available on the PBWP website for those unable to attend.
Webinar Details: Introduction to Place-Based Water Planning
When: March 25, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: online only, register in advance for this meeting
2026 Funding Cycle
OWRD expects to open a Place-Based Water Planning grant cycle in March 2026. OWRD will offer three grant types: (1) Planning Readiness Evaluation and Preparation, (2) Plan Development, and (3) Post-Plan Coordination. A total of $2 million will be available for award during this funding cycle. Stay tuned for more details on application requirements and deadlines. Sign up to receive email updates here.
OWRD has been a funding partner for various water planning efforts across Oregon.
OWRD has provided more than $2.3 million in financial assistance to four places that are taking a place-based, collaborative, and integrated approach to water planning.
OWRD has provided significant non-federal cost-share to conduct basin studies with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers.
In 2008 OWRD provided small planning grants totaling $200,000 to 16 communities as a part of the Oregon Water Supply and Conservation Initiative (OWSCI).