Applications sought for flood management grants

The Idaho Water Resource Board is accepting applications for the 2025 State Flood Management Grant program. Applications are due June 6.

The program is available to flood control districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, canal companies, municipalities, counties and other public entities that may have experienced recent flood damage.

The Idaho Legislature has established the program as permanent, with about $1 million in funding available annually statewide. Projects are capped at $200,000, with a required 50% local match using non-state funds.

Eligible projects include repairing flood-damaged stream channels, stream channel improvement, flood-risk reduction and flood-prevention projects.

In July 2024, the board approved 10 flood management grants statewide totaling approximately $702,000. Applications will be scored by staff, with projects recommended for consideration at the board's July 2025 meeting.

Board officials encourage applications from new water entities and communities, which will receive five extra points in proposal scoring. Projects are also evaluated on readiness, urgency, benefits, cost-share funding and other factors, with preference given to shovel-ready projects.

The board aims to distribute grants throughout the state, with no more than 50% of the total budget allocated to any single board region of Idaho.

Application guidelines and forms can be found at tinyurl.com/5hxtra6f.