- Thirteen projects seek funding for river and riparian restoration.
- Requests total more than $3.6 million statewide.
- Public comments accepted from September 2 to October 17, 2025.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 — The Arizona Department of Water Resources
announced late August that the Arizona Water Protection Fund has opened a 45-day public comment period for its fiscal year 2026 grant applications. Members of the public can review applications and submit comments until 5:00 p.m. on October 17, 2025.
Written comments may be sent by mail, email, or fax. Submissions must reference the application number and project title. Comments sent by mail must be postmarked by October 17.
Projects Across Arizona.
Thirteen applications have been filed, with combined requests totaling $3,672,286. Projects range from riverbank restoration and tamarisk removal to flow studies and community-based conservation programs. Highlights include:
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Stormwater and riparian health initiatives by the Drylands Alliance Addressing Water Needs.
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Allen Lake wet meadow restoration led by the National Forest Foundation.
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Rangeland and riparian improvements along the Babocomari River by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
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Invasive plant removal and river restoration projects on the Gila River, proposed by private landowners William and Cassandra Thomas.
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Flow studies in Phoenix to guide urban riparian restoration by the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs.
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Colorado River riparian restoration near Bodaway/Gap by the Grand Canyon Wildlands Council of Wild Arizona.
How to Review and Comment.
Applications are available for public review on the Arizona Water Protection Fund’s website or at the Department of Water Resources office in Phoenix. Written comments should be directed to:
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Arizona Water Protection Fund – Attn: Reuben Teran
1802 W. Jackson St. Box #79
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Comments can also be faxed to (602) 771-8687 or emailed to rteran@azwater.gov.
About the Fund.
The Arizona Water Protection Fund supports projects that maintain, enhance, and restore the state’s rivers and riparian resources. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, with projects ranging from scientific research to on-the-ground restoration efforts.
