The Idaho Water Resource Board announced Friday that applications for its Aging Infrastructure Grants program are due by August 7, marking the start of the next funding cycle for water projects across the state.
The IWRB has distributed grant funding over the past five years through multiple programs designed to support water infrastructure improvements. The Aging Infrastructure Grants specifically target projects that repair, maintain, replace, or improve existing systems used for irrigation water delivery, storage, drainage, treatment, and use.
Grant Eligibility and Award Limits
Individual projects can receive up to $2 million in IWRB funding, though the board’s contribution cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. This requirement ensures that local water users and entities maintain significant financial investment in their own infrastructure improvements.
Municipal drinking water and wastewater systems are not eligible for these grants. The program focuses exclusively on agricultural irrigation infrastructure and related water management systems that support Idaho’s farming operations and water delivery networks.
Applicants should note that projects must demonstrate how improvements will support long-term water sustainability and efficiency. Steve Reynolds, president of Conant Creek Canal Company, said the grants help achieve measurable water conservation goals. “This project will result in quantifiable and sustained water savings that have broader sustainability benefits,” Reynolds stated. He added that “collaboration between farmers, water delivery authorities, and conservation groups in the watershed will help us stretch and secure our water supplies for future generations.”
Expanded Monitoring Program Now Year-Round
In addition to the Aging Infrastructure Grants deadline, the IWRB expanded access to its Statewide Measuring and Monitoring Grants program, which is now open year-round. This program supports the purchase and installation of equipment designed to monitor and measure surface and groundwater diversions throughout Idaho.
Eligible projects under the monitoring program include new monitoring wells, measurement devices such as flumes and weirs, telemetry equipment, software development, and automation systems. These investments help water users and managers track water use patterns and optimize distribution efficiency across irrigation systems.
IWRB Seeks Public Feedback on Grant Administration
The board is also conducting outreach to gather feedback on how it manages and administers its financial programs and grants. The IWRB distributed a survey containing 22 questions that typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. The survey specifically targets water user entities—such as irrigation districts, canal companies, and municipal water systems—that have either applied for or received awards from IWRB financial programs.
Input from active grant users helps the board refine its application processes, funding criteria, and support services for future cycles. Water users interested in providing feedback are encouraged to participate in the survey.
What Comes Next
Organizations planning to submit Aging Infrastructure Grant applications must complete their submissions by August 7. The IWRB website provides detailed guidelines on eligible project types, required documentation, and the application process.
Water users considering projects involving monitoring equipment or measurement systems can submit applications to the year-round Measuring and Monitoring Grants program at any time. Those with questions about either program should contact the Idaho Water Resource Board directly for clarification on eligibility and requirements.