The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) focuses on the management and administration of the state's water resources, ensuring sustainable use for the benefit of all stakeholders. Although not explicitly stated here, OWRD's initiatives typically aim to balance economic, environmental, and social interests in water management practices.
The OWRD Water Project Grants and Loans program is designed to support water projects that offer comprehensive benefits across three main categories: economic, environmental, and social/cultural. By providing financial aid through grants, the program aims to encourage the implementation of projects that are ready for action. Specific types of projects that can receive funding include conservation efforts, reuse systems, storage solutions (both above and below ground), streamflow protection or restoration, water distribution enhancements, and other developments that improve water resources management while delivering public benefits. A hallmark of the program is its competitive nature, necessitating a 25% cost match from recipients to ensure commitment and shared investment in the project outcomes. Funding for these grants and loans originates from the sale of lottery revenue bonds, with $5 million allocated for water project initiatives and $25 million set aside for irrigation modernization in the 2024 funding cycle.