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What types of projects are eligible for cost share funding under
this program?
Project proposals that are eligible for consideration
include design, construction, and installation of fish screens,
fish ladders, and other fish passage devices associated with water
diversions located in Washington. Projects may include modifications
to water diversion structures that are required for effective functioning
of fish screens and other upstream or downstream fish passage improvements.
The intent of the proposed diversion improvements must be to reduce
fish mortality, reduce entrainment of fish in water distribution
systems, or increase subsequent survival and reproductive success
of fish species native to, and present in, the project area. Designated
state agencies may also submit proposals to inventory eligible
screening and passage needs.
What constitutes
an eligible water diversion?
Water diversions are gravity flow
or pump driven projects that divert water out of
natural or altered stream channels for beneficial uses including
agricultural, municipal, industrial, recreational, water quality
or other purposes. Culverts and tide gates are not water diversions.
Pumping projects operated to reduce high water levels on agricultural
or other lands may meet eligibility requirements.
How do I determine
the presence of native species and estimate the benefits my project
improvements will have for those species?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can assist
you in determining presence of native
fish and other aquatic species at your project site and provide guidance
on beneficial effects of proposed screening or passage improvements.
Who may apply
for cost share funding within this program?
Local governments including
counties, cities, towns, regional governments,
and service districts such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts,
Irrigation Districts and Port Districts may apply for cost share
funding of eligible projects. Local governments may partner with
other applicants to submit joint proposals. It is anticipated that
many projects will be located on privately held, state owned or federally
owned land. It is expected that the landowner or owning agency would
typically be a co applicant in such instances. In instances where
a state agency is meeting some cost share or other project requirements,
it is anticipated that they would be a co applicant. Tribal governments
may submit proposals for projects on tribal lands and may partner
with other eligible applicants for projects that are not located
on tribal lands. Partnerships exhibiting strong community and government
support are encouraged and will be given priority consideration.
How may an applicant
meet the cost share requirement of 35 percent or more of the project
cost?
The project applicant(s) must provide
at least 35 percent of the cost of design, fabrication, and installation
of the proposed screening or passage project. Part or all of this
cost share requirement may be met by in-kind contributions including
services, equipment, supplies, easements, fill material, disposal
sites or other project requirements of documented value. With the
exception of federally owned projects or projects on federal lands,
this cost share requirement must be met with non federal funds and
in-kind contributions.
What other requirements
must be met by the project applicant(s)?
The applicant(s) must
meet all other local, state, and federal requirements
for construction and operation of the diversion project and proposed
improvements including required permits and other approvals. The
applicant(s) are also responsible for operation and maintenance costs
of the project. This operation and maintenance responsibility may
be met by the project applicant(s) or by a binding commitment from
another responsible party. |
