Reverse osmosis membranes in an advanced water treatment plant
Reclamation released a funding opportunity for planning and pre-construction activities to facilitate development of water reuse and desalination projects. Funding made available is intended to provide assistance to prepare feasibility studies and undertake other planning activities for potential new Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse projects, Desalination Construction projects, and Large-Scale Water Recycling projects.
Eligible project activities include development of new water recycling and desalination feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary project cost estimates, design activities, and environmental and cultural resource compliance activities. Eligible applicants include local water agencies that are sponsors of water recycling or desalination projects. Please see the funding opportunity for more information.
Reclamation will provide federal financial assistance under two funding groups:
-
under Funding Group I applicants may request up to $1 million in federal funding for projects with an anticipated total project cost of less than $500 million.
-
under Funding Group II applicants may request up to $5 million in federal funding for projects with an anticipated total project cost of greater than $500 million.
Applicants may request reimbursement for work that can be completed within two years. Federal cost-share is limited to 50% of total costs for projects under Funding Group I and 25% of total costs for projects under Funding Group II.
The funding opportunity is available at grants.gov under opportunity number R23AS00076. Applications are due by Feb. 28, 2023.
The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on Wednesday, January 11, 2022, at 10am MST to discuss eligible applicants, project activities, and the evaluation criteria for this funding opportunity. We will also discuss program requirements and how projects can become eligible to compete under future funding opportunities for the planning, design, and construction of projects under the Title XVI Program, the Desalination Construction Program, and the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program.
Click here to join the webinar. If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click here to schedule time to talk with the program coordinators.
To learn more about this and other funding opportunities, please view www.usbr.gov/watersmart.
