The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Water Acquisition Grant Program for 2024 is designed to support the planning and implementation of water acquisition projects from willing sellers throughout the state of Oregon. This program aims to enhance instream flow, which is crucial for addressing the conservation needs of various habitats and species, as well as improving water quality in areas that are limited by water quality issues. The grants can fund a variety of project activities, including permanent transfers and temporary leases of instream water rights, as well as incentive-based voluntary curtailments by irrigators.

The primary purpose of the OWEB Water Acquisition Grant Program is to facilitate the acquisition of water rights that will lead to protected instream flows. Eligible projects must specifically address either the conservation needs of habitats or species, as determined by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), or focus on improving water quality in areas identified as water-quality-limited by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This program is open to a range of project types, including instream leases, split-season use instream leases, time-limited instream transfers, conserved water projects, permanent instream transfers, and water use agreements.

Eligibility for the grant is broad, encompassing various entities that can propose projects aimed at acquiring water rights for instream flow protection. Eligible applicants include county governments and state governments. The program does not require a matching contribution, making it accessible for organizations that may have limited funding resources. The focus is on projects that can demonstrate a clear benefit to conservation efforts or water quality improvements.

Submission requirements for the grant application are detailed on the OWEB website. Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive information about their proposed projects, including how they align with the program's objectives. Specific application questions may pertain to the project's anticipated outcomes, the methods of water acquisition, and the expected benefits to instream flow and water quality.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will likely include the project's alignment with conservation goals, the feasibility of the proposed water acquisition, and the potential impact on instream flow and water quality. The OWEB will assess applications based on how well they meet these criteria, ensuring that funded projects contribute meaningfully to the program's objectives.

The deadline for submitting applications for the OWEB Water Acquisition Grant Program is October 17, 2024. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of this timeline and to prepare their proposals accordingly. Additional details, including any updates or changes to the program, can be found on the OWEB website.

For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Brian Wolcott at the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board via email at brian.r.wolcott@oweb.oregon.gov or by phone at 971-345-7010. This program represents a significant opportunity for organizations focused on water conservation and quality improvement in Oregon.