Klamath Water Quality Improvements Grant Program

The Klamath Water Quality Improvements Grant Program is a targeted funding initiative administered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), acting as Fiscal Agent, to support nutrient reduction efforts in the Klamath Basin in Oregon. This program is funded through Interim Measure 11 (IM11) of the Amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA), with PacifiCorp having allocated up to $6,433,500 to support restoration and conservation projects that aim to improve water quality in the Klamath River. The funding focuses primarily on projects that address nutrient input reductions and is guided by a Steering Committee composed of federal, state, tribal, and nonprofit stakeholders. As of early 2026, approximately $4.9 million remains available for future project funding. The program is designed to support two main project types: Technical Assistance, which involves engineering and design planning, and Restoration, which covers on-the-ground implementation activities. Eligible project categories include natural wetlands restoration, diffuse source treatment wetlands, riparian fencing and grazing management, and on-farm irrigation efficiency and water management. All projects must demonstrate their potential to yield measurable nutrient reductions that improve water quality in the Klamath River. Priority consideration is given to projects located upstream of Upper Klamath Lake, where nutrient loads are highest, although downstream projects may also be funded if they show significant potential for water quality improvement. Eligibility is limited to Tribes, watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, not-for-profit institutions, schools, Oregon-based institutions of higher education, and other political subdivisions of Oregon that are not state agencies. While state and federal agencies cannot apply directly, they may partner with eligible applicants. Tribes, despite being members of the Steering Committee, are explicitly permitted to apply. Ineligible entities include individual persons, for-profit organizations, and organizations directly represented on the Steering Committee (excluding Tribes). The application process involves a required pre-application consultation to be scheduled with OWEB between February and April 6, 2026. This consultation is designed to assess project readiness, provide feedback, and help applicants prepare strong proposals. Applicants must submit their final proposals via OWEB’s online application system by 5:00 PM on May 11, 2026. Applications must include a detailed project description, scope of work, timeline, budget, and explanation of expected outcomes. Restoration applicants are also encouraged to include an effectiveness monitoring component, with up to $3,500 available for tracking water quality improvements. Applications are reviewed by the Steering Committee based on their alignment with IM11 goals, technical merit, expected water quality benefits, and the strength of project partnerships. Restoration projects require an in-person site visit, while Technical Assistance projects may be reviewed virtually. Evaluation criteria also prioritize projects that demonstrate coordination with existing basin-wide plans and that can secure or leverage matching funds. A minimum 5% match is required for both Technical Assistance and Restoration projects, though a 25% match is recommended for Restoration proposals. The Klamath Water Quality Improvements Grant Program is expected to offer annual solicitations until all funds are depleted. Notifications of awards are expected to occur following the Steering Committee review meeting on or around July 1, 2026. Selected projects will be subject to performance monitoring and reporting requirements, with progress and post-completion updates required for up to five years after project implementation.

Submit early to resolve errors; include strong quantifiable metrics; Restoration projects require field tours