PUB00145 ‎(2)‎

• Year: 2005
• Title: Western States Water Council - Seattle, WA., July 13-15, 2005
• CWCB Section: Administration
• Description: Western States Water Council - Seattle, WA., July 13-15, 2005
• Publications - Doc Type: Water Policy

Western States Water Council
Full Council Minutes

Boise, Idaho
April 22, 2005

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undertaken with $4 million in federal money leveraged into $30 million in improvements. For
FY2006, there is a $20 million request (a 50% increase). The past batch of Challenge Grant
applications requested $26.5 million for $97 million in system improvements. There are 117 proposals
and final selections will be made by July.

Bill said that next week Interior Secretary Gale Norton will announce that the 2025 Challenge
Grants program will be expanded to include western states (in addition to water districts). The request
for proposals is now available online at www.grants.gov. Eligible projects might include water
markets, physical improvements, analytical tools to help states, etc. Priority projects will include
practical applications that can be completed in 24 months. State boards and state agencies will be
eligible for $1 million for FY2005, and proposals will be selected competitively. Districts are not
eligible for this money. There is a $250,000 limit and 50% federal cost share. About 4-5 awards will
be made. Perhaps more, if money becomes available. The deadline is June lOtil for applications, in
anticipation of September awards.

The Field Services Program works with Water 2025. Kathy Holley is the Field Services
Program Coordinator, also working with reclamation districts on water conservation. Avra Morgan
coordinates water 2025 activities. Our fundamental approach is to stress partnerships.

Bill went on to discuss the signing of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Habitat
Conservation Plan (MSHCP), with is over $600 million. It is intended to maintain water and power
deliveries and provide certainty over 50 years.

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He concluded, "We are proud of our partnerships and look forward to continuing to work with

you."

Questions and Answers

Jack Stults asked "How will you address your backlog of deferred maintenance?" "How does
that work into your management matrix?"

Bill responded that it is a constant challenge. There is no small loan program now, nor is there
any rehabilitation and betterment (R&B) program anymore. We have a loan guarantee proposal, and
for the FY2007 budget larger operation and maintenance (O&M) request. The Bureau's budget is built
from the bottom up, beginning in the field offices, then regions and on to headquarters (HQ). There is
some conflict between areas for work within Reclamation.

Jack: "How can we find that information?"

Bill: "The Area managers should be meeting with districts and getting input."

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