Apps open for water conservation grants

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2023 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants.

Up to $1,200,000 in grant funding is available to eligible political subdivisions and state agencies for agricultural water conservation projects improving irrigation efficiency, enhancing resilience to weather extremes and climate variability and promoting innovation in agriculture.

Previously funded projects include demonstrations, education, and research of conservation practices; equipment cost-share of water use monitoring equipment; and irrigation efficiency improvements.

Selected projects will further water conservation in the state and serve the public interest by supporting the implementation of water conservation strategies identified in the state and regional water plans.

Applications are due to the TWDB by February 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

More information about the program and application process is available online at twdb.texas.gov/ conservation/Agriculture/ index.asp.

Created by the 69th Texas Legislature in 1985, the Agricultural Water Conservation Program promotes agricultural water conservation across the state by providing financial assistance in the form of grants and loans, predominantly in rural areas of Texas where agriculture is an important sector of the local economy.

From 2011 through 2020, the Agricultural Water Conservation Program has committed $26.5 million in funding and saved an estimated 621,952 acre-feet of water.