$40 million available for streamflow restoration projects in Washington

The state of Washington’s Department of Ecology is making a total of $40 million available for projects that protect and enhance streamflows while providing water for rural homes. Applications for the fourth round of Streamflow Restoration Grants are due Feb. 29, 2024. The state will announce awards in fall 2024.

The department will prioritize projects that benefit threatened or endangered fish or are located in watersheds identified in Washington’s Streamflow Restoration Act. The law directed 15 planning groups to develop watershed plans to help improve streamflows and offset the effects of using domestic permit-exempt wells. After lawmakers passed the law in 2018, a $300 million fund was created to support streamflow projects through 2033.

The state will use the grant funding for projects that store water, improve fish habitats, acquire water rights, monitor the environment, conduct feasibility studies or improve watershed function. Approximately $85 million in grants have been awarded since 2018.

Prospective applicants should identify the documented streamflow, fish or other instream resource problem the project would address. Other requirements include:

A description of why the proposed project was selected over other potential solutions.
A well-defined scope of work.
An explanation of how the entity will determine and demonstrate any project benefits.
A description that includes all phases of work, even if the application is only for a single phase of the project.
A demonstration of local support and readiness to proceed.

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, public entities and non-profit organizations within the state. There are no grant award limits, and matching funds are not required. The department will post a recording of a virtual applicant workshop online by Jan. 19 to assist applicants. Parties interested in scheduling pre-application meetings should do so before Feb. 15.

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