IWRB Aging Infrastructure Grant Program

The Aging Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the Idaho Water Resource Board, a state-level agency responsible for implementing the Idaho State Water Plan and supporting sustainable water resource management across Idaho. The program was established following a legislative appropriation of seventy five million dollars in 2022 to fund water-related projects through grants, loans, and expenditures. The initiative is designed to strengthen the reliability and long term sustainability of water systems that support Idaho’s agricultural economy and water infrastructure network. By prioritizing rehabilitation and improvement of aging systems, the program seeks to ensure continued economic productivity and environmental stability across the state. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance to eligible entities undertaking projects that repair, maintain, replace, or improve existing water infrastructure related to irrigation. Eligible projects include those that support irrigation water delivery, storage, drainage, treatment, and efficient use of water resources. However, projects that are already completed or underway at the time of application are not eligible, and municipal drinking water or wastewater systems are explicitly excluded from funding consideration. The program focuses on new or phased improvements that address aging infrastructure challenges while promoting water sustainability. Funding is provided on a competitive, statewide basis, with awards of up to two million dollars per project. The Idaho Water Resource Board will fund no more than fifty percent of total project costs, requiring applicants to secure matching funds or in kind contributions for the remaining portion. Additional constraints include a limitation that no more than fifty percent of the total project budget may be spent within a single IWRB district, although this requirement may be waived in the absence of competing demand. Funds are distributed through a cost reimbursement model, and expenses incurred prior to the grant award are not eligible. The contract term for funded projects typically does not exceed three years unless extended by the board. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and quasi public entities such as irrigation districts, canal companies, drainage districts, groundwater districts, municipalities, counties, water districts, and soil and water conservation districts. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, provide detailed project descriptions, and submit supporting materials including design plans, cost estimates, environmental considerations, and evidence of permitting or regulatory compliance. Additional requirements include submission of a cover letter, proof of insurance, a completed applicant information sheet, and documentation of matching funds or other funding sources. Applications are evaluated through a structured scoring process based on a one hundred twenty point scale. Evaluation criteria include project details such as the quality of the proposal, project schedule, and technical plans; urgency of the project based on infrastructure condition; public benefits including economic impact, environmental considerations, and water sustainability; and budget planning with emphasis on cost effectiveness and justification of expenses. Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with public benefits outlined in Idaho code, including water quality, drought resilience, public safety, and long term water supply stability. Applications must be submitted by the first Friday of August each year, with the current cycle deadline set for August 7, 2026. Submissions may be delivered via email, mail, or in person at the Idaho Water Center in Boise during standard business hours. Following submission, applications are reviewed and scored by staff, with funding recommendations presented to the board’s finance committee. Final award decisions are made during a regular board meeting, and successful applicants enter into a cost reimbursement contract. The program operates on an annual recurring cycle, allowing entities to plan for future funding opportunities aligned with infrastructure improvement timelines.

Provide detailed engineering plans clear cost justification and strong demonstration of public benefits including economic and environmental impact