Federal Aid Program for Revitalizing the Columbia River Watershed Region
The Columbia River Basin is set to receive a significant boost in its restoration efforts, with over $72 million in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated in 2023.
Of this total, $15,578,716 went to Tribal government entities, while $17,386,816 was earmarked for matching funds to leverage community partnerships and resources. Another $56,574,442 was designated for Toxics Reduction Lead entities, aiming to reduce toxins in fish and water throughout the Basin.
The Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program, a competitive grant program established by Congress in 2016 under Section 123 of the Clean Water Act, is the vehicle for these funds. The program is designed to support ecosystem restoration infrastructure improvements in the Columbia River Basin, with eligible applicants typically including public organisations such as state agencies, local governments, soil and water conservation districts, watershed organisations, and nonprofit entities involved in restoration projects.
The application process involves submitting a detailed project proposal that aligns with the program's objectives, including the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to improve water quality and habitat conditions. Proposals must demonstrate a substantial portion of funding dedicated to on-the-ground BMP implementation, often requiring a minimum non-federal match. Applicants usually submit their proposals through an official online submission portal or as specified in the program’s request for proposals (RFP).
For precise eligibility criteria and application procedures, potential applicants should consult the specific funding announcements or contact the administering agency, often the U.S. Forest Service or regional water resource management bodies, since the exact steps and requirements can vary by year and funding cycle.
The first round of funding, initiated in 2019, saw over $2 million awarded in 14 grants to various eligible entities. Further rounds of funding have been awarded in 2022 and 2023, although specific details for 2022 are not provided in the given text. Grants were also awarded in 2020 and 2021, but details are scarce.
For those interested in learning more about the Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program, inquiries can be directed to ColumbiaRiverBasinGrant@our website. This competitive grant program offers funding assistance to eligible entities on a competitive basis, with the aim of preserving and improving the ecological health of the Columbia River Basin for future generations.
Investing in environmental science is crucial for the reduction of toxics in the water of the Columbia River Basin. The Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program, a competitive grant program that offers funding assistance to eligible entities, is a key approach in this regard. This program aims to preserve and improve the ecological health of the Basin, eventually benefiting the finance sector through the long-term sustainability of its environment.
