Projects Bill Grants

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), under the Department of Natural Resources, administers the Projects Bill Grant program, formerly known as Non-Reimbursable Project Investments. This state-level grant program is designed to support projects of statewide significance that address regional water supply challenges not eligible for other CWCB funding sources. The funding initiative is authorized by the CWCB Board and requires approval from the Colorado General Assembly, reflecting its strategic importance to statewide water resource management. The Projects Bill Grants are intended to assist public or private entities with projects, studies, or programs that carry regional or statewide impact. Eligible projects typically include the administration of compact-entitled waters, facilitation of regional water supply solutions, management of federal water rights issues, conservation efforts for threatened species in riparian habitats, statewide hydrologic and climatologic data system development, and river restoration or floodplain management efforts impacting sectors like agriculture or recreation. Additionally, feasibility studies and demonstration projects that have the potential to evolve into CWCB Water Project Loans are also considered eligible. Applications for these grants must demonstrate a clear and documented need for the project. Interested applicants should first confirm that the funding request is within the $1 million to $10 million range and that the project is unsuitable for funding through other CWCB avenues such as the Water Plan Grants or the Water Supply Reserve Fund. The program encourages early engagement, and applicants are strongly advised to contact the CWCB, specifically Kirk Russell at 303-866-3441 x3232, to confirm eligibility prior to submission. The grant application process is managed through the CWCB Portal, and applicants are required to register in advance. Portal registration confirmation can take one to two business days. The annual application deadline is August 1. Following submission, applications are reviewed in September by the CWCB Finance Subcommittee, with final funding decisions made by the full Board at the November bi-monthly meeting. If approved, the project is included in the CWCB Water Projects Bill submitted to the state legislature in January. Final legislative authorization typically occurs in May, and funding becomes available by July 1, contingent upon a signed contract. While the program supports a variety of large-scale initiatives, it generally does not fund localized water treatment projects or efforts that can be executed without state grant funding or through other CWCB programs. Previously funded examples include the Arkansas Valley Conduit, which aims to deliver safe drinking water to southeastern Colorado communities; compliance projects for the Republican River Compact; and the Windy Gap Bypass Project, which seeks to improve aquatic habitat while maintaining dam functionality. Overall, the Projects Bill Grant provides significant financial support to impactful projects that meet Colorado’s long-term water management goals. All interested applicants are expected to align their proposals with state water strategies and engage with CWCB contacts for validation prior to applying.