Real-Time Data Direct Grant Program
Real-Time Data Direct Grant Program supports California public agencies’ reservoir data projects to improve flood forecasts, downstream warnings, and emergency readiness.
Funder: California Department of Water Resources
Due Dates: Until all $3.5 million is awarded (Proposals)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $3.5 million available in the first round
Summary: Funds real-time reservoir data projects that improve flood forecasting, downstream warnings, and emergency readiness in California.
Key Information: Applicants must be California public agencies that own or have primary responsibility for a dam under Division of Safety of Dams jurisdiction.
Description
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) runs this program as part of its Flood Partnership to strengthen California’s readiness for flood disasters. Funding supports the collection and sharing of real-time reservoir data so dam operators, forecasters, and downstream flood and emergency managers can communicate more effectively before and during high-water events. DWR may also use program funds for direct expenditures or directed activities that serve the funding source’s purpose.
The first project, Reservoir Gaging at Ungated Spillways (RGUS), aims to install real-time elevation gages at 20 or more dams. Its goals include earlier downstream warnings, better river and reservoir inflow forecasts, improved hydrologic models, and earlier warning of potential dam failures.
