WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects" for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, aimed at restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems in the Western United States. This initiative seeks to leverage both federal and non-federal funding to support collaborative projects that enhance the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, while also addressing priorities outlined in recent Presidential Executive Orders related to climate and equity. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations, with funding amounts ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and a total program funding of $95 million available. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by 4:00 p.m. MT on February 17, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Alisha James at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible Category A ApplicantsStates, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority;Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands.Eligible Category B Applicants:Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:Is acting in partnership with the applicant;Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; andIntends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.