Water banking pilot grants

In July 2021, the Legislature provided up to $14 million in funding to buy water for development of water banks in rural headwater counties. This funding will help public entities and their partners preserve water rights in their basin for local use and to protect streamflows.

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Funding cycle

Amount of funding available: Up to $14,000,000 available for 2021-2023 Biennium
Funding allocated:
Grant award limit: $2,000,000 per applicant
Amount of matching funds required: none

Applications are currently being accepted.

We are accepting applications between:

Start date: Nov 17, 2021

End date: Jun 30, 2023

The application period will remain open until all funds are awarded or until funding expires on June 30, 2023 at 5 p.m. Applications are available via Ecology’s Administration of Grants and Loans system (EAGL)

Funding is available for the following entities:

Public entities and their partners in eligible counties.

Adams
Asotin
Chelan
Clallam
Columbia
Cowlitz
Ferry
Garfield
Grays Harbor
Jefferson
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lewis
Lincoln
Mason
Okanogan
Pacific
Pend Oreille
Skagit
Skamania
Stevens
Wahkiakum
Walla Walla
Whitman
Yakima

Grant awards will fund the development of water banks in eligible counties. Funds will be used to purchase water rights ready for purchase as part of a water banking project proposal.

One-third of all water rights acquired under this pilot grant program must be set aside strictly for permanent instream use to support streamflows and aquatic resources. We’ve published guidance that outlines our process for awarding these grants.

More information about this funding program

Consultation meetings

We are offering consultation meetings for potential applicants to discuss the details of their water banking project with agency staff before submitting an application. We will meet requests in the order they are received and cannot guarantee meetings within a certain timeframe. See grant guidelines for additional information.

To request a consultation meeting, email WaterBankingGrants@ecy.wa.gov. Include “meeting request” in the subject line of your email.

Contact information

Vanessa Brinkhuis
Water Banking Grant Lead
WaterBankingGrants@ecy.wa.gov
509-406-6505

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