Regional Conservation Partnership Program Wyoming Water Development Office

Project Understanding

The Wyoming Water Development Commission (Commission) was awarded a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide drought resiliency through enhanced water management in the Upper Colorado River Basin in Wyoming, which includes the Green River and Little Snake River watersheds. The Wyoming Water Development Office (Office) has authority to administer the RCPP grant #3207 on behalf of the Commission. The Office, NRCS, and contributing partners will assist producers and Water Management Entities (WMEs) through RCPP with NRCS Conservation Practices, such as installing sprinklers, converting open canals to pipe, improving diversions, lining conveyances, bank stabilization, etc. WMEs apply directly to the Office for subawards, while producers apply to NRCS for cost-share reimbursement.

Goals

To improve efficiency and provide drought resiliency through water-use efficiency, decreased system water losses and improved water management using eligible NRCS Conservation Practices.

For a complete list of eligible NRCS Conservation Practices, click here.

These methods will collectively help preserve the viability of local economies by optimizing the productivity of irrigated lands and livestock water, enhancing watershed health, providing long-term durable system efficiency projects, creating resilience to drought, and expanding efforts within the entire Colorado River Basin Critical Conservation Area to better implement multi-year reductions in use or demand for water supplies.

Project Area

To view a map for this RCPP project area, click here.

Presentation

To view a summary presentation for this project, click here.

RCPP Grant #3207 Subawards

The general process for subawards is outlined below. It is important to note that funding is not disbursed until the project is complete and meets NRCS standards and specifications, and all contractual requirements are satisfied.

Submit a complete application (download link below) to the Wyoming Water Development Office Grants Administrator (contact information below).

Complete a subrecipient questionnaire.

Assess technical assistance needs, which may include survey(s), engineering design, permitting, cultural and environmental clearances, and a cost estimate.

Verify associated water rights.

Ensure all necessary permissions and access are granted.

Applicant must obtain a resolution from their board that includes project details, funding sources, and a commitment to project completion.

Negotiate the subaward contract between the WWDC and WME.

Complete technical assistance through WWDC's contractor, if needed.

Project implementation (i.e., construction), oversight, and completion.

Verify contractual requirements are met, including NRCS sign-off, before reimbursement is made to the WME.

WATER MANAGEMENT ENTITY APPLICATION FOR RCPP #3207 SUBAWARDS

NRCS RCPP 2023 Awarded Projects:

See full list of NRCS RCPP 2023 Awarded Projects