Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) How to Apply
1. What activities are eligible for FIF assistance?
FIF rules allow for a wide range of flood projects, including structural and nonstructural projects as well as nature-based solutions. Examples include:
Planning Phase Activities
- Preliminary engineering
- Project design
- Feasibility assessments
- Coordination and development of regional projects
- Obtaining regulatory approvals
- Hydraulic and hydrologic studies
Construction/Rehabilitation Phase Activities
- Drainage infrastructure (channels, ditches, ponds, pipes, etc.)
- Flood control infrastructure
- Flood mitigation infrastructure
- Retention basins
- Detention ponds
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Nonstructural flood mitigation
- Development of or amendments to flood related codes
- Permeable pavement
- Erosion control
- Levees
- Pump stations
- Rehabilitation of existing infrastructure taking into consideration implementation of improved resiliency, not including costs associated with current or future operations and maintenance activities
- Property acquisitions determined to be the best solution for highest-risk properties
- Restoration of riparian corridors, floodplains, coastal areas, wetlands, etc.
- Natural erosion and runoff control
- Reasonable amount of improvements to ancillary systems directly related to the project as determined by TWDB
Other Eligible Activities
The assistance is also able to support activities that may not traditionally be thought of as flood projects. These include:
- Warning systems
- Stream gages
- Educational campaigns
- Crossing barriers
2. Who is eligible to receive FIF assistance?
Political subdivisions may apply for financial assistance for flood projects. This includes cities, counties, and any district or authority created under Article III, Section 52 or Article XVI, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution.
Other political subdivisions and nonprofit water supply corporations operating under Chapter 67 of the Texas Water Code are only eligible to apply for financial assistance for the SFY 2020 Category 1 (Flood Protection Planning for Watersheds_ and SFY 2024-25 Flood Management Evaluation (FME) Category.
3. What type of assistance is available?
The FIF program provides opportunities for loans with an interest rate of 0% and grants, with the methodology for determining the eligible grant amount based on the category in which the project falls.
4. How does the application and selection process work?
The FIF application is a two-step process: Abridged Applications provide the TWDB with information needed to prioritize projects according to criteria described in further detail in the most recently approved Flood Infrastructure Fund IUP.
Applicants whose projects rank within the program's available capacity are invited to submit full financial assistance applications, which provide more detailed financial, legal, engineering, and other information. Once the technical review process has been completed, the project is presented to the Board for funding consideration.
5. How may I determine if other sources of flood mitigation financing are available?
Information from a submitted abridged application will be shared with the Flood Information Clearinghouse Committee (FLICC), a new cooperative effort between the TWDB, General Land Office, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other state and federal agencies that administer flood mitigation financial assistance programs. After review by the FLICC, the applicant may be advised of other available source(s) of funding.
6. Where can I get more information?
To provide you with a single point of contact at the TWDB, our project implementation staff is organized into seven regional project implementation teams. Each team is led by a manager that serves as the primary point of contact for both our existing and future customers. For assistance with the application or any questions related to your project, please look up contact information for your Regional Team.