DWR gets record number of groundwater grant applications

SACRAMENTO, CA, Dec. 21, 2007 --The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has received a record number of applications for the Local Groundwater Assistance (LGA) Grant Program. On Dec. 11, 2007 a total of 122 applications requesting approximately $27.6 million were submitted by local public agencies for this grant program.

DWR Director Lester A. Snow commented on the 60% increase in grant requests by saying, "Local agencies are realizing more and more that effective management of their groundwater resources will be critical to meeting future water needs and protecting water quality. After two years in which there was no funding for this grant program, it is clear that there is great demand for funding to help local public agencies better manage groundwater resources throughout the state."

A total $6.4 million is available for the LGA grants which provide funds to local public agencies to conduct groundwater studies or to carry out groundwater monitoring and management activities. A listing of the applications received is available at the following link: http://www.grantsloans.water.ca.gov/grants/assistance.cfm

DWR is currently conducting technical and administrative evaluations of the individual grant proposal and anticipate announcing its draft funding recommendations in Spring 2008.

The LGA Grant Program was established following passage of the Local Groundwater Management Assistance Act of 2000 (California Water Code Section 10795 et seq). DWR previously completed five funding cycles from 2001-2005, awarding a total of 128 grants.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.

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