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Loan and Grant Programs for Irrigation Development

Measuring Flows

Irrigation is the dominant commercial use of Montana’s water, accounting for 96% of surface and ground water withdrawals.  Because irrigated agriculture is a key component of Montana’s economy, the irrigation development grant program was created to increase the value of irrigated crops while preserving natural resources and the environment for future generations.  In addition, IDG is managed as a renewable resource grant program, and as such, must further the goals of the RRGL program to conserve, manage, develop or preserve Montana’s renewable resources.

Irrigation development grants range from $300 to $20,000 and are available to private for profit, private nonprofit, governmental and Tribal entities and individual and groups in Montana.  Projects typically address one or more of these program objectives:

  • Increase irrigation efficiencies through water conservation
  • Expand or sustain irrigated acreage
  • Increase production of high-value crops
  • Improve management of irrigation systems
  • Improve interbasin cooperation among all water users.

    • arrow Irrigation Development Program Update (word) or (pdf)

    arrow Irrigation Development Grant Application (word) or (pdf)

    arrow Inventory of Irrigation Infrastructure in Montana (pdf)

    arrow Irrigation In Montana: A Program Overview and Economic Analysis (pdf)

    Links to other State programs that fund irrigation projects.

    A facility that stores potatoes after they have been harvested Renewable Resource Private Loans
    A pivot provides water to a Montana wheat field Renewable Resource Private Grants
    Water resource management for pollution control Pollution Control State Revolving Fund Loan Program
    Water pump for irrigaiton Renewable Resource Public Loan Program
    Discussing renewable resources in a field Renewable Resource Grants

    For More Information Contact:

    Alice Stanley
    Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
    Resource Development Bureau
    1625 Eleventh Avenue
    Helena, Montana 59620-1601
    Phone: 406-444-6687
    FAX: 406-444-6721
    Website Address: http://dnrc.mt.gov