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Site Title: Idaho Water Resource Board Approves $1.26 Million for Water Monitoring and Flood Management Projects
Permalink: https://idahonews.co/idaho-news/idaho-water-resource-board-approves-1-26-million-for-water-monitoring-projects/
Idaho Water Board Approves $1.26 Million for Eastern Snake Plain Water Monitoring Projects
Meta description: The Idaho Water Resource Board has approved over $1.25 million in grants to improve real-time water monitoring and flood management across the Eastern Snake Plain.
State Board Funds 20 Monitoring Projects
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Water Resource Board has approved more than $1.25 million in funding for 20 telemetry and water monitoring projects across the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer region. The grants aim to expand real-time tracking of water diversions and improve management of Idaho’s surface and groundwater supplies.
The projects, totaling $1,258,459, were approved during a special board meeting on Friday. Each initiative will enhance local water entities’ ability to monitor and manage limited water resources, a growing concern amid recurring drought and aquifer depletion.
State Steps In After Federal Funding Withdrawn
Originally, nine of the projects were slated to receive federal funding through the Bureau of Reclamation’s “Investing in America” program under the Inflation Reduction Act. However, after federal funds were withdrawn, the state board voted to cover the shortfall using money from Idaho’s Water Management Account, citing the urgency of the projects.
“These are essential upgrades to ensure Idaho can manage its water sustainably,” said a board spokesperson, emphasizing that data-driven water management remains a top priority for the state.
New Flood Management Grants Announced
In addition to the monitoring projects, the board also opened a new application period for State Flood Management Grants, providing roughly $539,000 in available funding.
The program supports public entities dealing with flood damage and prevention needs. Eligible projects include:
- Stream channel repairs and improvements
- Flood-risk reduction projects
- Preventive infrastructure upgrades
Applications are due by January 2, 2026. Each project can receive up to $200,000, with applicants required to provide a 50% local match in non-state funds.
Supporting Idaho’s Long-Term Water Resilience
The state’s continued investment in telemetry and flood management is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Idaho’s water infrastructure and protect communities from climate and resource challenges.
By prioritizing regional monitoring systems, officials hope to better coordinate water usage across districts and safeguard the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, a critical water source for agriculture, industry, and households across southern Idaho.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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