OWEB Water Acquisition Grant Program

The Water Acquisition Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to support the acquisition of interests in water from willing sellers or lessors for the purpose of achieving legally or contractually protected instream flows. The overarching goal is to maintain or restore instream flows that benefit watersheds, fish and wildlife habitats, and water quality across Oregon. This program aligns with broader conservation goals and requires that projects address either identified habitat and species conservation needs, as determined by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), or water quality issues in areas designated as water-quality-limited by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). Eligible projects under the grant include several mechanisms for securing instream flows. These include instream leases, split-season use instream leases, time-limited and permanent instream transfers, conserved water projects through the Oregon Water Resources Department’s Allocation of Conserved Water Program, and water use agreements. Each project type must result in a legally or contractually protected instream flow. For example, conserved water projects must dedicate a portion of conserved water to instream use, and the higher the percentage of instream dedication, the more competitive the application becomes. The grant program covers a wide range of eligible costs. These include the purchase or option fees related to the water acquisition, interest on bridge loans, staffing costs, outreach activities, legal and due diligence expenses such as appraisals and title reports, and costs associated with monitoring and compliance. For conserved water projects, efficiency improvements like canal lining or converting to drip irrigation may also be funded. However, any activities conducted more than 18 months prior to the application deadline are not eligible. Similarly, funds may not be used to pay for the value of water on properties previously acquired with OWEB land acquisition grants if irrigated acres were part of that valuation. To apply, applicants must use OWEB’s online grant application system. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on October 15, 2025. Although not mandatory, OWEB strongly encourages applicants to schedule a pre-application consultation with staff to ensure project alignment and competitiveness. Coordination with agencies like OWRD, ODFW, and ODEQ is also encouraged. Applications will be reviewed by a technical review team composed of agency staff with expertise in water rights, habitat needs, and water quality. Evaluation criteria include ecological outcomes, cost alignment, strategic vision for flow restoration, and applicant capacity. The team’s recommendations are reviewed by OWEB staff, who make final funding recommendations to the Board. These recommendations will be available to applicants at least two weeks before the Board meeting where decisions are made. To be considered for funding, applicants must provide matching funds equal to at least 25% of the total OWEB request. Detailed budget guidance is provided in the GoBIG guidance document. Public engagement is also a valued aspect of OWEB’s grant-making process, with opportunities for public comment incorporated into the funding decision timeline.

Coordinate with state and tribal agencies early. Schedule a pre-application consultation with OWEB staff. Higher percentages of conserved water transferred instream make applications more competitive.