The Arizona Water Protection Fund will be considering proposals to address river and stream issues pertaining to water quantity or quality beginning next week.

The fund has $600,000 this cycle to distribute to anyone — other than the federal government — for projects to address water issues. Some projects involve the removal of salt cedar trees, which are invasive and stifle the natural flow of rivers and streams.

The public comment period for applications begins Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 1. The fund's commission will start making funding selections in January.

“If somebody has a problem and they have the solution and just need the funding, it’s nice to be able to provide that,” Arizona Water Protection Fund Executive Director Stephanie Smallhouse said.

Those selected for funding must pay the bills for the projects up front and then will be reimbursed by the Water Protection Fund.

“Generally it is a three- to five-year process,” Smallhouse said. “Everything (the grantee) spends is reimbursable, but they have to spend the money first.”