The Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) provides financial and technical assistance to local communities for projects that reduce flooding and erosion damage, restore, enhance, and/or protect the natural ecological values of streams and support community-led stewardship of urban creeks.

The USRP funds local, community-based projects that improve the health, safety, and resilience of urban stream corridors.

 

Since 1985, the USRP has supported projects that:

• Reduce damage from flooding and streambank erosion,
• Improve or restore riparian and aquatic habitats,
• Enhance community access, and
• Promote long-term watershed stewardship through education and partnerships.

2026 USRP Grant Solicitation

Published: 9/3/2026

 

Final Guidelines and Grant Solicitation Opening

 

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Final USRP Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP).

 

The USRP will begin accepting Concept Proposals on Oct. 1, 2026 and will open the Full Application Solicitation for projects who were invited on January 4, 2027.

 

Public Workshops

 

The USRP will host two public workshops to provide an overview of the program, highlight key components of the 2026 Final Guidelines and the PSP, and to answer questions from prospective applicants.

 

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

2:00-4:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom 

Register here: https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/C2slQTc4TKW0ArUoegS7Wg

 

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

2:00-4:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Register here: TBD

 

Solicitation Schedule

 

Concepts will be accepted on a monthly rolling basis and Full Applications will be accepted on a rolling quarterly basis following invitation from the Program.

 

Concepts Proposals

Open on the first business day of each month and close on the last Friday of the Month.

First opening date: October 5, 2026, recurring monthly.

 

Full Application:

Open on the first business day of the quarter and close on the last Friday of the Quarter.

 

2027 Quarter 1: January 4, 2027- March 26, 2027

2027 Quarter 2: April 1, 2027-June 25, 2027

2027 Quarter 3: July 1, 2027-September 24, 2027

2027 Quarter 4: October 1, 2027-December 30, 2027

 

To receive updates on the Guidelines and Solicitations please sign up for the USRP email list.

We Can Help You With Your Projects

DWR staff can assist with riverine ecosystem restoration projects and provide technical assistance pending available resources. DWR also provides additional technical assistance.

Our services include:

• Project planning
• CEQA compliance and permitting strategies
• Refinement of stream restoration techniques
• Grant application preparation
• Funding opportunities
• Additional assistance with riverine enhancement projects

Past Solicitations

2022 Solicitation

The USRP through the Riverine Stewardship Program solicitation awarded over $8.1 million to 3 projects through a rolling application cycle. The first application cycle began in June 2022.  Refer to the guidelines and proposal solicitation package for detailed information on the solicitation rules, procedures, and processes at the Riverine Stewardship Program – Grants webpage.

2022  Final Award List

2019 Solicitation

On March 26, 2020, DWR announced the final list of projects selected for funding through the 2019 Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) Solicitation. This round of grant funding, supported by Proposition 68 and Proposition 84, awarded grants to 11 projects that will help restore and protect urban streams across California.

2019 Final Award List