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: May 20, 2026

 

Public Comment Period

 

The Department of Water Resources is pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Draft USRP Guidelines, formally opening the public comment period from May 20, 2026, to July 29, 2026.

 

Please provide comments by 12:00 PM on July 29, 2026, by emailing usrpinfo@water.ca.gov.

 

DWR will host two public workshops and one Tribal-only meeting to provide an overview of the program, review key components of the 2026 Draft Guidelines, and to accept public comments.

 

General Public Meetings:

Wednesday, July 8

3:00–4:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom 

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

 

Wednesday, July 22

2:00–3:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom 

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

 

Tribal-Only meeting:

Wednesday, July 15

3:00–4:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom 

https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/hIxzJzyuSwCed0ynQiKZmQ

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