0

Non-Reimbursable Project Investment Grants

Non-Reimbursable Project Investments (NRI) are CWCB Board authorized state-wide investments for regional supply needs, that do not fit within other CWCB grant programs and require approval by the General Assembly. Matching funds are typically required, and the amount of funding can vary, but is generally between $1 million - $10 million.  

Point of Contact

Kirk Russell
303-866-3441 x3232

Application Deadline

August 1st

More Non-Reimbursable Grant FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can apply for a Grant?

Any private or public entity that can contract with the state and that can establish and document the need for the project. You are encouraged to contact Kirk Russell, 303-866-3441 x3232, to determine if your project or study qualifies for funding

How can the money be used?

Projects eligible for the Non-reimbursable Project Investment Grant Program include:

Projects, programs or studies of statewide impact or importance, such as: ­

  • Administration of compact-entitled waters; ­
  • Facilitation of solutions to regional water supply problems; ­
  • Addressing federal water rights issues; ­
  • Recovery or conservation of threatened or endangered species within riparian ecosystems; ­
  • Development and management of a state monitoring system for collection and development of hydrologic and climatologic data; and ­
  • River restoration and floodplain management projects affecting agriculture, recreation or other industries that economically impact significant areas of the state.

Feasibility studies and demonstration projects designed to answer questions related to statewide water issues or that have significant potential to result in a CWCB Water Project Loan.

 

Examples of projects appropriate for an NRI:

  • Funding for the non-federal cost-share funding for the Frying Pan-Arkansas project (Arkansas Valley Conduit) to provide quality drinking water to six counties in the lower Arkansas Valley.
  • Republican River Compact compliance efforts - provided matching cash incentives to producers to reduce irrigation/facilitate land retirement within the South Fork of the Republican River to meet compact compliance obligations as outlined in a Resolution and subsequent Amendment approved by the Republican River Compact Administration. 
  • Windy Gap Bypass Project - Construction of a connectivity channel around Windy Gap Reservoir on the Colorado River near the confluence of the Fraser River. Reconnecting the River and its habitat while maintaining Windy Gap Dam and pump plant operations. The project creates fish passage and is expected to significantly improve aquatic habitat conditions.

 

Examples of projects typically inappropriate for an NRI:

  • Water Treatment type projects
  • Projects that can be completed without additional state grant funding
  • Projects that can be funded by Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) and Water Plan Grants significantly improve aquatic habitat conditions.
      
    How do I apply for a Grant?

    How do I apply for a Grant? 

    Before you apply, have you:

    • Ensured your project funding request falls within the funding range of $1 - $10 million?
    • First checked to see if your project can be funded with a standard Water Plan Grant or Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant?
    • Vetted your project goals to ensure your funding request covers basin-wide or  regional supply needs?
    • Approved grant funding is available approximately one year after the application deadline.  

    Contact Kirk Russell, 303-866-3441 x3232, to determine if your project or study qualifies for funding.

    1. CWCB Portal Registration (Start Here) *Please note that confirmation of registration may take 1-2 business days and you will receive an email once your registration is approved.
    2. Application (via CWCB Portal)

    Application Deadline: August 1
     

    What is the approval process after I have submitted an application?
    1. The CWCB Finance Subcommittee reviews applications in September and recommends approval of funding to the entire CWCB Board at the bi-monthly November Board meeting.
    2. Applicants may be asked to present their grant request to the committee and also at the November meeting, if necessary.
    3. Once approved by the Board, the grant is written into the CWCB Water Projects Bill, which is introduced to the Legislature in January.
    4. The Legislature authorizes expenditures by approval of the CWCB Water Projects Bill in May.
    5. Funds are then available around July 1 if an executed contract is in place.

    Schedules/Deadlines

    Example projects

    Water Forecasting Partnership Project

    The goal of this program is to acquire new data and refine water supply forecasting.

    Project Data Sheet

    Colorado Water Loss Control Initiative: Phase II

    This program will provide workshops and a review of technical assistance for water audits

    Project Data Sheet

    Colorado Water Restoration Program

    The Program objective is to provide funding for watershed restoration studies and projects. Special consideration is given to projects that reduce flood hazards, protect infrastructure, stabilize post-fire watersheds, and increase benefits for water  supply.

    Project Data Sheet