Legislative Services

This month, we are highlighting two grant opportunities.

2026 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants
The state of Texas is offering up to $1.5 million in grant funding for agricultural water conservation projects. This opportunity is available to state agencies and eligible political subdivisions, such as groundwater conservation districts, river authorities and irrigation districts) for initiatives that:

• Boost irrigation efficiency: Implement advanced technologies and practices to optimize water use.
• Strengthen resilience: Enhance the ability of agricultural operations to withstand climate variability and extreme weather.
• Drive innovation: Promote new, effective solutions in agriculture.

Projects must serve the public interest by advancing water conservation goals and supporting specific strategies outlined in regional and state plans.

Federal Lands Access Program
The Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) funds transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to or are located within federal lands. FLAP supports public roads, transit systems, and trails owned or maintained by state or local governments or other non-federal entities. Priority is given to projects that access high-use recreation sites or serve as federal economic generators.

• Who can apply: Any state, county, local government or tribe that owns or maintains a public transportation facility providing access to federal lands.
• Preferred projects: Facilities accessing sites with high public visitation or those that increase local economic activity.
• Maintenance and planning: Rehabilitation and other maintenance projects are eligible, though maintenance-only work, such as pothole repair, is typically less competitive. Planning and research studies are also eligible for funding.
• In-kind contributions: FLAP accepts right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation as in-kind contributions but does not accept labor or equipment.

The Federal Highway Administration will host two informational webinars for applicants and federal land management agencies:

• Wednesday, March 25: 2-4 p.m. Central, 1-3 p.m. Mountain
• Thursday, March 26: 2-4 p.m. Central, 1-3 p.m. Mountain

To reserve a spot, email Andrew.Valdez@dot.gov.