BOR Lower Colorado River Bucket 3 Ecosystem Projects: Applications Submitted $12.3M

Innovative Bundling Approach

On March 21st, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) submitted application packages to the Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado River Bucket 3 Ecosystem Projects program on behalf of Arizona Cross-Watershed Network (AZ XWN) participants. These applications, totaling $12.3 million, will fund 15 organizations to implement watershed restoration projects. This marks the first coordinated effort of its kind for AZ XWN. Regardless of the award outcome, the development of a robust project list positions AZ XWN to pursue additional funding opportunities. We extend gratitude to The Nature Conservancy for their critical funding and staff support for coordination and grant writing. Special thanks to DFFM and ADEQ for taking on Awardee responsibilities for the 5-year grant term and overseeing grant preparation and submission. We also appreciate the support from core Network partners and the efforts of sub-applicants. Fingers crossed for a successful outcome!