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Water Project Grants and Loans
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Oregon Water Resources Department
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Grant funding to modernize irrigation systems on currently irrigated agricultural lands.
Overview
Description:
This program provides grants for projects that improve water use efficiency of irrigation systems on currently irrigated agricultural lands. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: piping irrigation canals, ditches or laterals; lining irrigation canals, ditches or laterals; installing sprinkler or microirrigation systems; upgrading existing infrastructure, such as flumes or pipes; installing or upgrading pump stations, including variable speed pumps; installing measuring devices or soil moisture monitoring; installing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; purchasing irrigation scheduling software; and upgrading turnouts.
Please see the "Link to full program details" for more information about timelines and application details.
Please note that grant timelines may change. Visit the website for grant period details.
Eligibility:
Any local government, Indian tribe, or person may apply for funding.
Grants require a 25% cost match.
The project must have federal match associated with Natural Resources Conservation Service authorized watershed plans, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grants or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants that are eligible to be on the Department of Environmental Quality’s Intended Use Plan.
Eligible projects include: conservation, reuse, above-ground storage, below-ground storage, streamflow protection or restoration, water distribution, conveyance or delivery systems, and other water resource development projects that result in economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits.
If an applicant or co-applicant is required to have a Water Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP), the plan must be submitted to the Water Resources Department and receive approval prior to the application due date.
This funding opportunity will invest in projects that meet water supply needs and result in public economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits. Projects must provide benefits in each of these three categories to be eligible for funding. (Please visit the "Link to full program details" for more information about these categories.)
Financial benefit:
Offers grant funding. The amount varies per project. Please contact the listed program contact below for more information.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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