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<br />000770 <br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br />1997 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />. distribution of funds is likely to be based on local priorities within each state rather than basin-wide <br /> <br /> <br />priorities. The necessary coordination could be achieved by the designation of a national priority <br /> <br /> <br />area and then assigning one regional or state office primacy in detennining the priority of projects <br /> <br />basin-wide. That designated regional or state office could then be the focal point for coordination <br /> <br />and consultation with the Council and the Forum. The Council believes that this approach is <br /> <br /> <br />essential to maintaining a large-scale salinity control program that bases implementation decisions <br /> <br /> <br />on cost effectiveness. <br /> <br />The Council believes that the Forum and the Basin states will support an EQIP program of more than <br />$200 million. The Council supports an overall funding level that will provide $12 million annually <br />to implement USDA's share ofthe CRBSCP. The Council does not support USDA delaying the <br />adequate funding of the salinity control program hoping that with time more funds for the overall <br />program will be made available. <br /> <br />. The Council is also very resistive to a philosophy that might allege that because of the substantial <br /> <br />state funding for a cost sharing parallel program, federal funds can be shifted elsewhere. The states <br /> <br /> <br />are to be commended for the implementation of the new parallel program. By federal law, the Basin <br /> <br />states must contribute funds in the amount of 30% of the federal funds to this program. The states <br /> <br /> <br />have chosen to create a parallel program and cost share up front. This means that for every federal <br /> <br />dollar made available, there is $1.43 in funds offered to producers for their cost sharing. When the <br /> <br /> <br />producer provides the required share, more than 50% of the program is funded by non-federal funds. <br /> <br /> <br />The Council requests that USDA report how, at a national and state level, this significant cost <br /> <br />sharing is considered when EQIP funds are allocated. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />COWRADO RIVER BAS1N SALlN1TY CONTROL ADV1SORY COUNC1L <br /> <br />7 <br />