WaterSMART Drought Response Program

The WaterSMART Drought Response Program NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions. • Infrastructure Projects: System modifications or improvements, storing water and/or recharging groundwater supplies, developing alternative water supply sources, and groundwater recovery and treatment projects. • Water Management and Planning Projects: Developing water management, water marketing, and modeling tools to help communities evaluate options and implement strategies to address drought. • Eligible applicants: States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; State, regional, or local authorities; and Other organizations with water or power delivery authority. • Ineligible applicants: Federal Governmental entities, Individuals, Institutes of higher education. • Cost-sharing requirement: 50% of total project costs. • Award amount: Up to $1,500,000 in Federal funds, not to exceed 50% of project costs.