Urban Streams Restoration Program: Grants
Urban Streams Restoration Program: Grants supports California communities’ stream restoration projects to reduce flooding and erosion, enhance natural stream values, and strengthen long-term stewardship.
Funder: California Department of Water Resources
Due Dates: Rolling monthly (Concepts) | March 26, 2027 (Q1 full application) | June 25, 2027 (Q2 full application) | September 24, 2027 (Q3 full application) | December 30, 2027 (Q4 full application)
Funding Amounts: $20,562,000 available for grants; contracts run 3–5 years, with completion within five years
Summary: Supports community-based California urban stream restoration that reduces flooding and erosion while improving ecological values and stewardship.
Key Information: An eligible sponsor and local community co-sponsor must partner through a signed MOU; full applications require invitation.
Description
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) administers the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) to restore streams affected by urban development. Established in 1985, the program supports local projects that prevent property damage from flooding and bank erosion while protecting or enhancing streams’ ecological, aesthetic, and recreational values. Community participation, education, and long-term riverine stewardship are central objectives.
Supported work includes bank stabilization, revegetation, floodplain reconnection, stream daylighting, green infrastructure, and strategic land or easement acquisition. The program prioritizes natural infrastructure and bioengineering, habitat connectivity, climate resilience, and meaningful benefits for disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations. DWR also provides technical assistance, subject to staff availability, for project development, environmental planning, design, outreach, and long-term management planning.
