DWR Accepting Grant Applications for $300M to Support Turf Replacement by ACWA Staff Oct 19, 2022 Water News The Department of Water Resources (DWR) on Oct. 10 started accepting applications for $510 million in financial assistance to support water supply reliability, yard transformation and migratory birds. $300 million is being offered through the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program that provides financial assistance and resources to help large organizations, water agencies and communities replace their lawns with California native landscaping to promote water conservation as the golden standard of life. Eligible applicants include public agencies, public utilities, special districts, mutual water companies, non-profit organizations, regional water management groups, colleges and universities and federally recognized California Native American Tribes. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2023 and awards will be announced from December 2022 through March 2023. Below are examples of eligible project types: Projects that support immediate drought response Projects that enhance local supply and climate resilience through source watershed improvements Drought resilience planning Water conservation activities, including but not limited to education, outreach, installation programs, fixture replacement incentives and rebate programs, and other activities that provide reductions in water consumption or improvements in water supply reliability Turf replacement with drought tolerant landscaping Hauled water Installation of temporary or permanent community water tanks Bottled water Water vending machines New wells or rehabilitation of existing wells Fish and wildlife rescue, protection and relocation DWR is encouraging projects that provide turf replacement or direct install programs to Underrepresented Communities and Tribes. There is a minimum award amount of $3 million per applicant but smaller projects can be bundled together in a single application to meet the minimum grant award requirement. Also, project costs incurred on/after July 1, 2022 are eligible for reimbursement. More information on eligibility requirements and how to apply is available in the grant solicitation package. Questions about the program can be emailed to urbandrought@water.ca.gov.
