Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program
The Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program funds science-driven water rights transactions and expert analyses to restore stream flows and fish habitat in the Columbia River Basin.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: June 29, 2026 (Questions deadline) | July 22, 2026 (Proposals due: Economic Valuation RFQ) | August 13, 2026 (Proposals due: Legal Support RFQ)
Funding Amounts: Typical contract awards: up to $55,000 (Economic Valuation RFQ) and up to $90,000 (Legal Support RFQ); annual program grant pool $2–4M; individual project grants typically $20,000–$800,000.
Summary: Supports voluntary water rights transactions and technical/legal service contracts to restore stream flows for fish habitat in the Columbia River Basin.
Key Information: Two active RFQs in 2026: Economic Valuation and Legal Support for water transactions.
Description
The Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program (CBWTP), administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, funds voluntary water rights acquisitions and technical/legal service contracts to restore stream flows in the Columbia River Basin. The program aims to improve aquatic habitat for native fish species—including Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, and resident trout—by supporting a network of local partners and Qualified Local Entities (QLEs) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
CBWTP awards grants for water rights transactions (temporary and permanent) and issues periodic Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for specialized services such as economic valuation and legal review of water transactions. Funding is primarily provided by the Bonneville Power Administration, with additional support from federal and tribal partners.
