Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects (Small Storage Program)

The Bureau of Reclamation, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is administering a competitive funding opportunity known as the Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects Program, under funding opportunity number R25AS00270. This program is authorized by Section 40903 of Title IX of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and aligns with federal efforts to enhance Western water infrastructure. The primary purpose of the program is to support the planning, design, and construction of small-scale surface water and groundwater storage projects. These projects are essential to stretching limited water supplies, increasing resiliency in water management, and avoiding water conflicts in the Western United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The grant provides up to a 25% federal cost-share for eligible water storage projects with a capacity between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet. Projects must either increase water storage or move water to or from a storage facility. All applicants must submit a feasibility study meeting the requirements of CMP TRMR-127 to Reclamation by February 13, 2026. Reclamation will assess this feasibility study before proceeding with merit review. Qualifying applicants include state, regional, and local water authorities; Indian tribes and tribal organizations; and other entities such as conservancy districts and rural water districts. Applicants must be based in the 17 Reclamation States or in Alaska or Hawaii. To be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate their ability to cost share at least 75% of the total project cost. This contribution may include cash, third-party in-kind support, or non-federal funding. The application process requires multiple documents including the SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and additional documentation such as a map of the project site and letters of support. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, although hard copy submissions are allowed under specific conditions. Entities must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) before applying. Evaluation of applications will follow a structured merit review process conducted by an Application Review Committee. Scoring is based on five main criteria: Water Supply Reliability (35 points), Water Management Flexibility (16 points), Benefits to Rural Communities (12 points), Stakeholder Support (12 points), and Economic Benefits (25 points). The review also includes assessments of eligibility, risk, and feasibility. Proposals that provide multiple benefits such as ecosystem improvements, water quality enhancements, and groundwater management are highly encouraged and prioritized. Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. MDT on April 17, 2026. The anticipated project start date is October 1, 2026, with an expected end date of October 31, 2029. Contact for application questions is the NOFO team at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov, while questions about project eligibility can be directed to Austin Olah at aolah@usbr.gov or 303-445-3240. Informational webinars about the opportunity will be held in the summer or fall of 2025. Notices of Award will be distributed in April 2026. All funded projects are subject to standard federal compliance requirements including environmental, cultural, and wage regulations. Reporting obligations for successful recipients include performance reports, financial reports, and other compliance documentation. Applicants must also adhere to Buy America provisions and Davis-Bacon wage requirements for construction projects. This funding opportunity presents a significant chance for eligible water management entities to secure federal support for vital storage infrastructure that enhances water resilience and resource sustainability for future generations.

Include clear maps, pre-secure match funding, and follow merit criteria sections closely when structuring the proposal.