The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the program
guidelines and proposal solicitation package to distribute $200
million in funding available through the
Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant Program. The
program is designed to help communities facing the loss or
contamination of their water supplies due to drought, and address
immediate drought impacts on human health and safety, protect
fish and wildlife resources, and provide other public benefits,
such as ecosystem improvements. This program is in addition to a
separate $200 million in grants provided through the
Small Community Drought Relief Program launched this
summer.
DWR will accept applications on a rolling basis until all the
funds are expended. DWR will match applications to the
appropriate funding source based on eligibility, and projects may
be funded by either Urban Community Drought Relief funds or
Multibenefit Project funds. The first round of awards will be
announced as early as December 2021. Examples of eligible project
types include emergency water interties, new wells, and fish and
wildlife rescue, protection, and relocation. For questions
about the Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant
Program and how to apply, please contact DWR
at urbandrought@water.ca.gov.
