Funding for Non-Reimbursable Project Investments (NRI) utilizes money from the Construction Fund. In recent years, most of the available funding has been provided through the Water Plan Grant Program.
Additional NRI money may be available for projects that are too large or do not fit the Water Plan Grant funding categories. This includes:
- Water-related projects or studies of statewide impact or importance.
- Large regional Feasibility Studies and projects designed to address statewide, region-wide or basin-wide water issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for a Grant?
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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?
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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.
- How do I apply for a Grant?
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How do I apply for a Grant?
Contact Kirk Russell, 303-866-3441 x3232, to determine if your project or study qualifies for funding.- 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.
- Application (via CWCB Portal)
Application Deadline: August 1
- What is the approval process after I have submitted an application?
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- 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.
- Applicants may be asked to present their grant request to the committee and also at the November meeting, if necessary.
- Once approved by the Board, the grant is written into the CWCB Water Projects Bill, which is introduced to the Legislature in January.
- The Legislature authorizes expenditures by approval of the CWCB Water Projects Bill in May.
- Funds are then available around July 1 if an executed contract is in place.
Example projects
Water Forecasting Partnership Project
The goal of this program is to acquire new data and refine water supply forecasting.
Colorado Water Loss Control Initiative: Phase II
This program will provide workshops and a review of technical assistance for water audits
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.