The Agricultural Water Conservation Grants, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), provide funding to support agricultural water conservation projects and initiatives. The program offers up to $1.5 million in funding, with awards ranging from partial to the total available amount. The goal is to advance water conservation efforts and implement strategies outlined in the state water plan. Eligible projects include improvements to irrigation systems, adoption of soil health practices, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and technology demonstrations. Additionally, projects focusing on remote sensing data initiatives for estimating agricultural irrigation water use are eligible.
The program aims to improve agricultural irrigation efficiency, enhance resilience to climate variability, and promote innovative water conservation technologies. Projects must quantify water savings, educate stakeholders, and develop performance metrics, emphasizing long-term sustainability and leveraging additional funding sources. Eligibility extends to state agencies and political subdivisions as defined by Texas Administrative Code. Local matching funds are encouraged but not required, and indirect costs are not reimbursable.
Applications are evaluated based on completeness, adherence to the program's goals, feasibility, technical expertise, and water conservation impact. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate measurable water savings and align with the state water management strategy. Applications must be submitted digitally by March 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and require a detailed project description, scope of work, deliverables, and financial details.
Selected projects may undergo negotiation to finalize the scope, budget, and timelines. The TWDB retains the right to partially fund projects or make no awards, depending on the quality of submissions and available funds. Awards are expected to be announced by July 2025. For detailed application instructions, potential applicants are advised to visit the TWDB website or contact the program manager.
