Water Conservation Grant Program Report

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CRITERIA Evaluation of applications were based on the following criteria: CREATIVITY - Water efficiency projects were encouraged to show innovation or potential to add to existing knowledge regarding the proposed water conservation measure. RESULTS - Grant proposals were to identify a means to monitor and evaluate project results and related water use. Final analysis of projects will in part depend on adequate monitoring. DISTRIBUTION - One purpose of the grant program was to encourage implementation of water efficiency projects throughout the state. During the selection process, the location and size of the community was considered in relation to other applications. APPLICABILITY - The proposed project should be designed for possible duplication in other communities. PARTICIPATION- Applicants were encouraged to involve additional agencies or organizations as participants in the design or implementation of the proposed project, if appropriate. SELECTION PROCESS A selection committee comprised of various individuals with specific expertise or knowledge was fonned to evaluate and prioritize the applications and to give recommendations to the Board on the fmalists. The committee evaluated each application based upon the application questions and the pros and cons of implementing such a project. In order for any project to be successful, two important factors were required. The proposed project had to be coordinated under the direction of a qualified project supervisor, typically employed by the agency submitting the application. The proposed project had to include a means to monitor or evaluate the change in water use as a result of the project. WORKPLANS/CONTRACTING Prior to contracting with the grantee, a detailed workplan outlining the various phases of the project, fmancial needs of each phase, identification of timeline needed to implement and complete each phase, and identification of responsible authority of each phase were required. This workplan was intended to be used by the office staff during their monitoring of the project and to help direct the grantees throughout the duration of their project. The contracting process began after completion of a viable timeline. During the two year grant cycle, we received approximately 90 applications totalling nearly 3 million dollars. The majority of the grant awards were made for projects requesting less than the $50,000 maximum.