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Water Project Loan Program
Since 1971 the CWCB Water Project Loan Program has provided low-interest loans to agricultural, municipal and commercial borrowers for the development of raw water resource projects in Colorado.

Foothills Reservoir Rehabilitation Project, North of Boulder Eligible projects for financing include new construction or rehabilitation of existing raw water storage and delivery facilities, such as:
  • Reservoirs
  • Ditches and Canals
  • Pipelines
  • Diversion Structures
  • Groundwater Wells
  • Water Rights Purchases
  • Flood Control Projects

The CWCB can finance up to 90 percent of the total project costs, including engineering and construction. 

For answers to commonly asked questions regarding each part of the process, click the FAQ.

CWCB has provided loans for many projects statewide.  Examples of projects that have been completed using program funds include:

Fulton Irrigating Ditch Company Diversion Structure Rehabilitation, Adams CountyRepublican River Water Conservation District - Compact Compliance
Pipeline Project 
$60,600,000 at 2.0%

Pagosa Area Water & Sanitation District - Dry Gulch Reservoir
Land Acquisition
$11,200,000 at 3.5%

Granby Ditch and Reservoir Company - Dam Rehabilitation
$250,000 at 2.35%

San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District - Water Acquisition
$727,000 at 3.5%

Louden Irrigating Canal and Reservoir Company - Dam Repair
$264,000 at 3.5%

Headgate 135 Lateral Inc. - Piping Project
$263,000 at 3.5%

Farmers Pawnee Canal Company - Ditch Control Structures
$227,000 at 2.25%
Pine River Canal Company Tunnel Hill Construction Project, Southeast of IgnacioEach year approximately $20 million is available for new loans. Loan requests under $10 million may be submitted throughout the year, however CWCB staff requires approximately two months to prepare a recommendation to the CWCB Board for loan approval. This requires applicants to submit loan requests by the 1st of the month prior to the bi-monthly Board meeting. 

Loan requests over $10 million must receive legislative authorization.  Applications must be submitted by August 31st to be considered for CWCB approval at the November CWCB Board meeting. Funds would then be available the following July 1st, after approval by the legislature.


Note:  A 1% loan service fee will be charged on all loans.  This fee will be assessed on the total amount of the funds disbursed for the project.  The fee is due at substantial completion of the project and may be financed into the loan.