AMSA Regulatory Alert (RA 03-13)

To: Members & Affiliates, Water Quality Committee
From: National Office
Date: November 14, 2003
Subject: AMSA MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE EPA’S WATERSHED INITIATIVE GRANTS
Reference: RA 03-13

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) announced in October its call for nominations of watershed proposals to receive grants under the Agency’s Watershed Initiative (68 Fed. Reg. 58333). The Watershed Initiative is a competitive grant program designed to support watershed protection and restoration projects and is geared to approaches that produce short-term environmental results and have the potential for long-term maintenance in a watershed. The Agency has requested $21 million to fund up to 20 watershed projects throughout the country in fiscal year 2004. The typical grant award will range from $300,000 to $1,300,000, depending on the amount requested and the overall size and need of the project. AMSA public agency members, under certain circumstances discussed below, are eligible to receive such grants. Nominations for grant funds are due to the Agency by January 15, 2004. More information on the Watershed Initiative and the nomination process can be found at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/initiative.

Background
EPA’s Watershed Initiative has evolved from the Agency’s fundamental concept of a holistic watershed approach to water resources management. Rather than focus on isolated efforts that do not provide comprehensive and effective protection and restoration of resources, the Watershed Initiative’s focus is on multi-faceted projects that employ an integrated ecosystem-based approach to conservation and restoration throughout a watershed. Often, these projects are highly dependent on publicly owned treatment work (POTW) involvement for their successful implementation.

The Watershed Initiative began in 2002 with a national competition that culminated in the awarding of $15 million in May 2003 to 20 watershed projects. The selected watersheds, which included some AMSA members, addressed such topics as agricultural pollution, urban and industrial runoff, the relationship between water quality and habitat restoration for wildlife, including endangered and/or threatened species, homeowner issues, and innovative, market-based approaches to attaining water quality.

Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted by a state’s Governor or Tribal Leader. In preliminary discussions with the Agency, AMSA has learned that POTWs are eligible to receive nominations; however, they must form a “watershed organization” or partnership with other POTWs or groups within the targeted watershed, in order to be considered. AMSA has spoken with several member agencies who are interested in pursuing projects that could fit in with the Initiative, including credit trading programs and constructed wetland projects, among others. The Agency contact person for the Initiative is Carol Peterson, 202/566-1304, but Pat Bradley, in the Office of Wastewater Management is also very knowledgeable regarding this program and can be contacted at 202/564-0729 or bradley.patrick@epa.gov. AMSA would appreciate being informed of member interest and participation in the Initiative. To do so, please contact Will Pettit, AMSA, at 202/833-3280 or wpettit@amsa-cleanwater.org. Again, more information on the Watershed Initiative and the nomination process can be found at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/initiative.