Texas Water Development Board solicits ag conservation grant applications

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (January 8, 2014) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) annually publishes a request for grant applications to fund agricultural water conservation projects. The TWDB is currently soliciting applications for projects from eligible political subdivisions and state agencies.

"Agricultural irrigation is the largest water use sector in Texas, and conserving this resource is vital," says Doug Shaw, TWDB's Agriculture and Rural Texas Ombudsman. "Many regions in Texas depend on a strong agricultural economy, and TWDB offers these grants to support this important industry."

Available funding includes $1.5 million for cost share of metering equipment in groundwater conservation districts that have rules requiring metering of groundwater withdrawals and $600,000 for water use measurement and irrigation system improvement projects.

Applications are due by noon on March 12, 2014, with anticipated award date in mid-May. Current request for applications and application instructions can be viewed online (the link is no long available as of June 26, 2014). TWDB will be hosting a webinar about the application process and grant contract management in February. Watch for details on our website.

Through these grants, the TWDB has funded two long-term demonstration projects worth $10 million and 50 other projects worth over $4 million since 2004. These projects implement agricultural conservation strategies in the State Water Plan, demonstrate best management practices, provide water conservation outreach and education, and help develop new technologies that improve irrigation management.

For more information, contact the Agricultural Water Conservation Team at 512-936-6090 or e-mail. Please visit the TWDB Agricultural Conservation webpage to learn more about our programs and to see examples of projects previously funded through the TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.