IWRB Aging Infrastructure Grant Program

The Aging Infrastructure Grant is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB), a state-level agency authorized by the Idaho legislature. This grant program supports the rehabilitation and improvement of aging water infrastructure across Idaho, reflecting the state’s strategic commitment to securing long-term water resource sustainability and bolstering the agricultural economy. The IWRB provides this grant to help address critical infrastructure needs that are vital for irrigation and water delivery, ensuring economic value, public benefit, and water system stability throughout the state. This grant is open to a wide range of public and quasi-public water-related entities operating in Idaho. Eligible applicants include Irrigation Districts, Boards of Control, Canal Companies, Drainage Districts, Groundwater Districts, Ditch Companies, Lateral Ditch Users Associations, Reservoir Districts, Municipal Irrigation Districts formed under Idaho Code Title 42, Chapter 18, as well as Counties, Municipalities, and Water Districts. All projects must be submitted individually, with a one-project-per-application policy, and no more than 50% of the total program budget can be distributed within a single IWRB district unless there is a lack of competing demand. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is available per project, with the IWRB grant covering no more than 50% of total eligible project costs. Legal and administrative expenses are capped at 5% of the total budget. The grant reimburses only those costs incurred after the contract award date. Disbursement of funds is based on a cost-reimbursement model, contingent on submission of detailed invoices and a final completion certificate with a financial summary. Each grant contract is valid for a maximum of three years from the award date unless formally extended. Eligible projects must involve the repair, maintenance, replacement, or improvement of existing infrastructure that facilitates water delivery, storage, drainage, or treatment specifically for irrigation purposes. Projects that aim to improve water efficiency and reduce incidental recharge will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Ineligible projects include those already underway or completed by the application deadline and those involving municipal drinking or wastewater systems. Applications must include a cover letter on the applicant’s letterhead with a project summary, project manager’s contact information, funding request, and total project cost. Additionally, the application must address all evaluation criteria and provide any required permitting documentation or indicate a timeline for permitting if permits have not been secured. The grant evaluation uses a 120-point rubric with categories that assess project details, urgency, public interest, and cost-effectiveness. Applicants must provide descriptions of the project location, timeline, plans and specifications, team qualifications, and a detailed, justified budget. Additional consideration is given for projects that offer ecological and economic benefits under Idaho Code Section 42-1760(2)(d), including water quality improvements, drought resiliency, recreation, and public safety. Completed applications may be submitted via email, postal mail, or in-person delivery. Email submissions must be sent to IWRBGrants@idwr.idaho.gov. Mail submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the application due date, while hand-delivered submissions are accepted only during business hours at the Idaho Water Center in Boise. While a specific due date is not mentioned in the source material, the program is known to recur annually. This grant is not rolling, and future cycles are expected, with updates and deadlines posted by the IWRB each year.

Ensure permits or schedule are included; budget and maps should be well-documented to support evaluation.