The primary focus of the CBWTP is to fund water transactions that restore streamflow on ecologically-significant Columbia Basin tributaries.  The CBWTP is administered through a cooperative agreement between BPA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).  
Subbasin plans and other habitat assessments throughout the Columbia Basin cite inadequate streamflows as a key factor limiting the productivity of both anadromous and resident fish species.  Water transactions provide an effective and appropriate response to this key limiting factor.  Restored streamflow benefit multiple fish species, particularly Chinook and Steelhead.  
The CBWTP works through ten qualified local entities (QLEs).  The QLEs now include four state water agencies and six nonprofit organizations.  These QLEs receive funds to implement and monitor water transactions in multiple priority watersheds throughout the Columbia Basin.  
Since 2002, the QLEs have completed over 300 water right transactions that have restored over 724,000 acre-feet of flow to key tributary streams in the Columbia Basin.  These transactions have included a number of innovative methods, including split-season leases, source switches, permanent purchases and water produced through significant capital investments in irrigation efficiency projects.  The term of these deals has varied from short-term to permanent.  The CBWTP anticipates that transactions funded during the period FY 2013-2015 will be increasingly long-term and permanent deals providing instream benefits beyond the year of funding.