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OWEB staff: groundwater not included in rules for next grant cycle; further interagency work expected
Summary
OWEB staff told the RAC they will not add explicit groundwater language to the Water Acquisition Grant Program rules before the next solicitation (August 2026), but said the agency will continue internal and interagency discussions and may convene a workgroup if groundwater applications emerge.
OWEB staff told the RAC that the agency will not include explicit groundwater provisions in the current draft of the Water Acquisition Grant Program rules and does not plan to finalize groundwater language before the next grant solicitation, which begins in August 2026.
"OWEB has decided to take an approach of not including, reference or mention to groundwater in the rules," Brian Volcott said during the meeting. He added that OWEB is continuing internal discussions and expects to consult the Oregon Water Resources Department and other partners and may form a work group if needed. Staff said they will review any groundwater applications that might be submitted to determine eligibility and whether technical review should consider them.
RAC members asked whether staff would keep conversations open in advance of August if an applicant proposes a groundwater project. Several members urged proactive outreach to groundwater experts and agencies, with April Snell saying the issue merits additional conversation across agencies given parallel rulemaking at the Water Resources Commission. Staff responded that coordination with the Department of Justice and Water Resources Department is anticipated and that outreach could follow as needed.
