Weather Modification Grant Program

The Weather Modification Grant Program is administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), a division of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The CWCB is responsible for the stewardship and management of Colorado’s water resources. Its mission is to conserve, develop, protect, and manage Colorado’s water for the benefit of current and future generations. In alignment with this mission, the Weather Modification Grant Program supports ground-based, wintertime operational cloud seeding programs to increase water supply through enhanced snowfall. This grant program is specifically designed to aid local water providers, city and county governments, and their designated fiscal agents who operate existing permitted cloud seeding programs. The primary goal of the grant is to assist in funding and modernizing these programs. Ski resorts and other stakeholders are not eligible to apply, even if they participate in a permitted program. The only exception currently in Colorado is the Vail/Beaver Creek ski area, which operates a permitted program independently of local water user sponsorship. Eligible uses for the grant funding include enabling full utilization of the five-month winter permitting season (typically November 1 through March 31), purchasing or leasing modern equipment such as weather stations or remote-operated ice nuclei generators, and conducting evaluations to measure the effectiveness of cloud seeding in specific regions. This supports more efficient and data-driven weather modification operations. To apply for this grant, applicants must already be part of a permitted cloud seeding program. Local-level project sponsors are responsible for initiating annual funding requests to the CWCB. The application must include a locally developed plan and demonstrated funding to support the proposed activities. The CWCB staff reviews submissions, collaborates with contractors and project sponsors, and evaluates the needs and priorities for the year. Funding recommendations are developed based on equity and available resources through CWCB and Colorado River agreements. Applications are due by July 1 each year, allowing adequate preparation time for the upcoming winter season. This annual deadline helps ensure readiness and continuity in operational cloud seeding programs. Applications are reviewed by CWCB staff with input from the CWCB Board, who help determine equitable funding levels and program prioritization. The point of contact for this program is Andrew Rickert, who can be reached at 303-866-3441 x3249 for further details about the application process or cloud seeding permits. This grant is part of the CWCB’s broader strategy to support sustainable water management and regional collaboration in water resource development.