Drought Response Program (DRP) (WaterSMART)
The DRP grant supports projects that boost drought resilience and modernize water infrastructure in the American West through science-based solutions and cooperative efforts under the WaterSMART initiative.
Funder: Bureau of Reclamation
Due Dates: July 28, 2026
Funding Amounts: Award size varies; recent DRP rounds have funded over $33 million for 14 projects; see NOFO for specific limits and cost share requirements.
Summary: Funds projects that improve drought resiliency and modernize water infrastructure in the American West through cooperative efforts under the WaterSMART initiative.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov; cost share and eligibility details are in the official NOFO.
Description
The Drought Response Program (DRP), part of the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART initiative, provides funding to address critical water supply and management challenges in the American West. The program focuses on enhancing drought resiliency, modernizing water infrastructure, and supporting cooperative projects with states, tribes, and local entities. Eligible projects may include infrastructure improvements, adoption of new water management technologies, and actions to avoid water conflicts and ensure sustainable, reliable water resources for the region.
