Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Bob Johnson has announced that a funding opportunity is now available online at www.grants.gov for fiscal year 2009 under the Water for America Challenge Grant Program. Reclamation is seeking proposals for system optimization reviews, which provide a broad look at system-wide efficiency focused on improving efficiency and operations of a water delivery system, water district, or water basin.

"These reviews help water users identify the most efficient way to manage their water distribution systems," said Johnson. "By identifying efficiencies and developing a plan of action, water users can then work to meet their growing demands."

System Optimization Reviews were announced last year under the Water 2025 Initiative. In its first year, fiscal year 2008, twelve projects were awarded $1.9 million in grants with a combined investment of more than $3.8 million.

The Water for America initiative was developed under Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne to help state, tribal, and local governments better conserve, manage and develop their vital water resources to meet future challenges and demands. Projects will be selected for funding through a competitive process and should meet the goals of the initiative.

Entities that may submit proposals are irrigation and/or water districts, water authorities of federally recognized Tribes and other entities created under State or Territory law with water management authority. Applicants must also be located in the Western United States or United States Territories.

Proposals must be submitted as indicated on www.grants.gov by January 28, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. MST. It is anticipated the awards will be made during the summer of 2009.

For more information on Water for America visit www.usbr.gov/wfa.