The Department of Ecology announced up to $22 million will be distributed to 21 high priority projects located in 16 watersheds across the state.
Among these will be $148,500 designated for the Phase I Feasibility Study to address the Quinault Indian Nation TransAlta Water Right Acquisition.
According to DOE, the funding will support projects to increase water storage capacity, improve fish habitat, acquire water rights, and improve water management and infrastructure.
Ecology received 63 competitive applications from across the state.
All applications went through a fair and rigorous review process and meet criteria outlined by the law and by Ecology.
This is the second round of the 15-year program.
The final funding amount dispersed for these grants will be determined following approvals of project plans.
Some other projects selected for funding include:
Many of the 16 projects funded under the 2019 inaugural grant round have been completed or are well underway, such as a land acquisition project completed by the Nisqually Land Trust.
The Washington Legislature created this grant program as part of the 2018 Streamflow Restoration law that seeks to protect rivers and streams, while also providing water for rural homes. The grant program helps state and local agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations put local plans and projects into action.
A complete list of applicants and funded projects is available online.