Wednesday August 27, 2008
CA: DWR Awards $17 million in Prop 50
Drought Assistance Grants
Source: California Department of Water Resources
In response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s June 4 Executive Order declaring drought conditions in the state and calling for immediate action, DWR expedited the funding from its Urban Drought Assistance Grant Program to fund water conservation programs throughout the state. The funds will be used for water conservation activities including rebate programs, public education and outreach, leak detection, and retrofit of systems for greater water efficiency. Of the $17 million, $4.5 million will go toward programs and projects in disadvantaged communities
DWR received nearly 300 applications requesting more than $72 million. DWR thoroughly reviewed each application and awarded grants on a competitive basis, looking at the importance of the projects under current water shortages and drought conditions as demonstrated by community need or local support.
Among the 53 applicants that were awarded grants are:
- $2,000,000 to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for its California Friendly Turf Removal Pilot Program.
- $1,997,870 to the Sacramento Regional Water Authority for implementation of a variety of water saving measures including installation of water meters, washing machine rebates and public outreach efforts.
- $1,000,000 to the Inland Empire Utilities Agency for irrigation system retrofits.
- $247,000 to the California Rural Water Association to help disadvantaged rural communities detect leaks.
- $250,000 to the East Bay Municipal Utility District for a high-efficiency toilet rebate program.
The final award list is available online at: http://www.owue.water.ca.gov/finance/index.cfm.
Listen to statements regarding these grants and the current drought situation from Wendy Martin, statewide drought coordinator for DWR. http://www.water.ca.gov/news/
Contact:
Baryohay Davidoff
Office of Water Use Efficiency & Transfers
(916) 651-9666
or
Matt Notley
Public Affairs Office
(916) 651-7242