WaterSMART Program Grants Announcements

The Bureau of Reclamation's Water and Energy Efficiency Grant program solicitation is closing 17 February. The grant announcement is available on www.grants.gov using funding opportunity number R11SF80303. Reclamation is seeking proposals for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy in water management, protect threatened and endangered species, facilitate water markets, and carry out other activities to address climate-related impacts on water or prevent any water-related crisis or conflict. Eligible applicants that may submit proposals for funding are State or Territory agencies or departments with water or power delivery authority, federally recognized Indian Tribes with water or power delivery authority, irrigation and water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority. Applicants must also be located in the Western United States or an authorized Territory. Funding opportunities for System Optimization Review Grants, Advanced Water Treatment Pilot and Demonstration Grants, and Research Grants will be announced in early 2011. The WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) program is intended to address the most significant challenges facing our water supplies in the 21st century, including population growth, climate change, rising energy demands, environmental needs, and aging infrastructure. To learn more about the WaterSMART program please visit www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.