Idaho opens $30M of water conservation grants for farmers – KTVB

Idaho Water Resource Board Launches $30 Million Grant Programs to Support 2024 Water Settlement Agreement

Introduction

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) has initiated applications for multiple grant programs totaling $30 million. These programs aim to assist farmers in Eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley in complying with the 2024 Water Settlement Agreement. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Funding Package Overview

During its May 2024 meeting in Moscow, the IWRB approved a fiscal 2026 funding package designed to support water users in meeting the terms of the settlement through water-saving measures and infrastructure improvements. According to Neeley Miller, the board’s senior water resource planner and grants administrator, the funding for water efficiency, conservation, and modernization projects is unprecedented under both new and existing programs.

Grant Programs Details

The funding package includes three new grant programs directly tied to the water agreement:

1. Water Measuring/Monitoring Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $1 million
   • Purpose: To promote conservation through automated headgates with telemetry in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) region.
   • Eligibility: Surface and groundwater users in the aquifer’s Area of Groundwater Supply region.
   • Grant Limit: Up to $250,000 per applicant.
   • Matching Funds: 50% required.
   • Application Deadline: August 1, 2024.

2. Surface Water Operational Efficiencies Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $5 million
   • Purpose: To improve operational efficiencies in surface water management.
   • Eligibility: Surface Water Coalition members within the aquifer’s Area of Common Groundwater Supply.
   • Matching Funds: None required.
   • Application Period: Open year-round.

3. ESPA Groundwater to Surface Water Conversion Projects Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $20 million
   • Purpose: To support projects converting groundwater use to surface water use in the ESPA region.
   • Application Deadline: August 1, 2024.

Additional Funding and Support

• Aging Infrastructure Grants Program (Round 6)
  • Allocated Funding: $20 million
  • Grant Limit: Up to $2 million per applicant.
  • Matching Funds: 50% required.
  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2024.
• Low-Interest Loan Program

  The board continues to offer an ongoing low-interest loan program to support water-related projects, further promoting sustainable water management in line with SDG 6.

Application Process and Contact Information

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the application criteria and submit their proposals promptly and carefully to maximize their chances of funding. For additional information and application materials, interested parties may contact the grants team via email at IWRBgrants@idwr.idaho.gov.

Conclusion

The Idaho Water Resource Board’s substantial investment in water efficiency, conservation, and infrastructure modernization represents a significant step toward sustainable water resource management. These efforts contribute directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting responsible water use, supporting agricultural sustainability, and enhancing infrastructure resilience.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water efficiency, conservation, and modernization projects, which are directly related to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water resources.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Support for farmers in Eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley to comply with water agreements impacts agricultural productivity and sustainability.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Funding for infrastructure improvements and modernization of water systems aligns with building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promoting water conservation and efficiency supports sustainable consumption of natural resources.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable water withdrawals.
   • 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels.
   • 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities.
2. SDG 2 Targets
   • 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable practices.
3. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
   • 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Water Efficiency and Conservation Indicators
   • Number and amount of grants awarded for water efficiency projects (e.g., Water Measuring/Monitoring Grant program).
   • Implementation of automated headgates with telemetry to monitor water use.
   • Reduction in water withdrawal volumes from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.
2. Infrastructure Improvement Indicators
   • Number and value of infrastructure grants awarded (e.g., Aging Infrastructure Grants program).
   • Completion rates of infrastructure modernization projects.
3. Agricultural Productivity and Compliance Indicators
   • Number of farmers complying with the 2024 Water Settlement Agreement.
   • Improvements in surface water operational efficiencies.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ktvb.com