WSP02985

• File Number: 8112.600
• Description: Arkansas White Red Basins Interagency Committee - AWRBIAC
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 3/1/1982
• Title: Arkansas-White-Red Basins Water Resources Activities Report --- Part 1 of 2 -- Cover Page - Page 141
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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PUBLIC LAW 566 WATERSHEDS

Preauthorization Study Phase

This phase has two parts which are divided by the filing of a formal application
for planning assistance through the A-95 process. Preapplication assistance
consists of gathering enough information to determine if an application will be
feasible. This step includes the beginning of an environmental evaluation. Post
application activities center around conducting a detailed environmental assess-
ment to identify problems and opportunities in the watershed.

As soon as substantive inquiries are received concerning a potential watershed
project, an environmental evaluation is initiated using an interdisciplinary team
approach. To the extent possible, existing data is used to provide information
about the watershed. In most instances, studies conducted before receiving a
formal application will not include detailed field work; however, enough work
will be done to ascertain that an application is feasible. Project potential
must be evaluated objectively based on the expected environmental impacts of
various alternatives.

A valid application must have adequate sponsorship by qualified local organi-
zations, conform with federal policies' on nondiscrimination, comply with the
acreage limitation under the Act, include documentation that appropriate clear-
inghouse procedures have been followed, and be approved by the state.

Prior to starting post application studies, a plan of work is prepared that
becomes the management tool to govern federal actions in planning the watershed.
The plan of work will show the scope, planning detail, public participation,
estimated cost, and schedule for completing the preauthorization planning report.
Estimates of time and funds for the study are shown in detail and will provide a
basis for monitoring planning funds.

The post application planning study must be done pursuant to a plan of work
prepared by the State Conservationist. This post application study is done to
complete the environmental assessment by identifying land and water re~ource
problems and opportunities of the watershed. The sponsors' desires must be
determined; resource capabilities evaluated; alternative solutions formulated;
and the environmental, social, and monetary impacts of the solutions assessed.
Studies are carried to the extent and detail necessary to determine whether an
economic and an environmentally acceptable watershed plan can be developed that
the local sponsors are willing and able to carry out.

The preauthorization planning report summarizes the results of planning studies
to date. The report may be in one of two forms: one summarizing planning if it
appears likely that PL-566 financial assistance can be provided and one covering
those cases where it appears unlikely that PL-566 assistance can be provided.

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