The Fresno Irrigation District was awarded $100,000 through the US Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects program. This funding will support the purchase and installation of meters for growers within the District proactively seeking to monitor the groundwater pumped from their wells.
“This funding is another great opportunity for our growers,” stated General Manager Bill Stretch. “With the installation of meters, growers can better monitor their water usage and support our region’s efforts to balance the groundwater table – all with financial assistance and in advance of any regulatory requirements.”
Having meters installed allows growers to enhance water management on their land by accurately tracking water use, improving irrigation efficiency, and preventing overirrigation.
The USBR’s WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects program provides funding to support initiatives or projects aimed at improving water management on a smaller scale. Projects funded under this program help deliver long-term benefits by enhancing local water conservation and supporting communities reliant on groundwater as a primary resource.
Over the coming months, a program and process will be developed to provide growers with funding (up to 50% of the total project cost) to help cover the cost of installing meters on their wells. With limited funding available under this grant program, funds will be administered on a first come, first-serve basis.
This award follows other recent successes for the District, including the $1 million awarded in April for groundwater recharge projects from Congressman Costa’s Community Project Funding Request, and $5 million secured in May from USBR’s WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Project Grants.
FID remains committed to securing grant funding to develop projects and implement programs for the benefit of its landowners. Stay informed on the meter installation funding and other financial opportunities for growers by signing up for the District’s email list here.
For questions on the small-scale grant program for meters, growers can contact FID Special Projects Manager Kassy Chauhan at 559-233-7161 x. 7109.
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