WIFA Opens New Round of Conservation Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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[PHOENIX, February 4, 2025] – The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) announced today that it will begin accepting applications for over $14 million in grants for water conservation projects across the state.

The Water Conservation Grant Fund (WCGF) provides funding to conserve Arizona’s water supply. Eligible entities will be able to apply for up to $3,000,000 to fund conservation activities that facilitate voluntary reductions in water use, increase water use efficiency, and improve reliability in water systems.

The Water Conservation Grant Fund was created through bipartisan legislation in 2022. WIFA was originally allocated $200 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to facilitate projects that reduce water use, increase water use efficiency, and improve water reliability. With that money, WIFA awarded more than 180 grants that are expected to save as much as 5.5 million acre-feet of water over their lifetimes. In early 2025, Governor Hobbs announced that she would invest more than $14 million in additional ARPA funding to continue the grant program.

“We are extremely excited to continue the work WIFA has already done to help water users across the state conserve an incredible amount of water,” said WIFA’s Board Chairman Jonathan Lines. “These funds will help motivated water providers throughout the state continue investing in generational conservation projects. We are grateful that the Governor trusts WIFA to make strategic investments in the future of water for the State at a critical time for Arizona’s water security.”

Kim Schonek, who chairs the WCGF Committee responsible for evaluating grant applications, is optimistic about the innovative water saving activities that WIFA will fund through this new infusion of money. “With the original grant fund money, we were able to support some very creative ideas that will help water users across Arizona become better stewards of their precious water supplies. These projects are already expected to save as much as 5.5 million acre-feet of water over their lifetimes, and this additional funding will go a long way to increase those savings. We appreciate Governor Hobbs and her team for allowing us to continue the momentum we built through the last round of grant funding.”

Applications are available now on the eCivis Grants Portal. WIFA will accept applications until March 6, 2025. More information is available on the Water Conservation Grant Fund landing page at www.azwifa.gov.

About WIFA

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Arizona's present and future water supply through financial investments in effective augmentation, conservation, reuse, and water quality. WIFA is Arizona's administrator of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), providing low-interest loans and technical assistance to water and clean water infrastructure projects, as well as three new funds aimed at conserving water and identifying new supplies. Over the last 30 years, WIFA has proudly invested almost $3 billion in communities throughout Arizona driving sustainable solutions and helping to secure Arizona’s water future.

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