After the largest and most competitive Water Plan Grant cycle to date, the Colorado Water Conservation Board has voted to recommend nearly $25 million in funding to support 56 projects across the state. These investments will strengthen water infrastructure, enhance watershed resilience and empower communities across Colorado to collaboratively plan for a more sustainable water future.
“This was by far the most competitive Water Plan Grant cycle we’ve ever had,” said Lauren Ris, CWCB Director. “We received more than double the number of applications compared to the last grant cycle and were amazed by the inpouring of incredible proposals. Our grants team worked tirelessly to narrow it down to the most impactful projects that will make a real difference for Colorado.
The projects, approved during the September Board meeting in Durango, reflect some of the most urgent water challenges facing Colorado today— from supporting robust agriculture amid persistent drought conditions, to protecting water systems and communities from post-wildfire impacts, to advancing needed water storage.
For example, in the Agriculture category, the Frozen Assets project led by American Rivers explores an innovative winter sheet ice strategy in the Rio Grande Basin to recharge groundwater, support farming, and enhance wildlife habitat. Irrigators spread water across fields in winter, mimicking natural freeze-thaw cycles that sustain aquifers to boost early-season soil moisture and create habitat for migratory birds. The grant supports efforts to better quantify and understand the impacts and benefits of this practice.
And in the Watershed Health and Recreation category, the Bear Creek Wildfire Ready Action Plan will develop a proactive strategy to protect water infrastructure and communities from post-fire hazards. Through hazard mapping, stakeholder collaboration and community outreach, the plan will identify priority mitigation projects and improve pre- and post-wildfire preparedness.
Grants also spanned the remaining Water Plan Grant categories: Water Storage & Supply, Conservation & Land Use, and Engagement & Innovation. The projects funded are diverse and impactful—from building new water storage to support long-term water sustainability in Weld County, to improving water efficiency and climate resilience across school campuses, to inspiring water stewardship through an interactive, tree-ring-inspired Colorado River exhibit in Mesa County.
These grants are made possible through an unexpected partnership: revenue from Colorado sports betting directly supports these critical water projects in our state. Proposition DD (2019) created the connection, and in 2024, voters passed Proposition JJ, which removed the cap on tax revenue collected from sports betting—unlocking even more funding opportunities for critical water work. This collaboration with the Division of Gaming is a win-win: turning recreational dollars into long-term water solutions.
“The overwhelming demand for Water Plan Grants this year clearly shows how critical this program is for Colorado,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources. “These grants are helping communities across the state take action towards addressing Colorado’s water challenges. I can’t wait to see how these projects benefit our environment, watersheds and agricultural communities.
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