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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If PL-566 financial assistance appears likely, the preauthorization planning
report will be prepared to display the alternatives being considered. The report
will briefly display such things as: the problems; alternatives for solving or
partial~y solving identified problems; estimated cost; and adverse and beneficial
effects of proposed alternatives. Sponsors will be advised that, to qualify for
PL-566 assistance, the alternative tQey select must meet national objectives for
National Economic Development (NED) or Environmental Quality (EQ).

If the watershed program is not the appropriate vehicle for solving identified
watershed problems or if PL-566 financial support cannot be provided, the sponsors
should be promptly informed. A no-project report or letter is prepared and pro-
vided to the sponsors and others involved in the studies. This report or letter
describes the problems, potential solutions, and recommended actions. The report
covers action the local people can take on their own. Alternative actions are
described in sufficient detail to allow local people to evaluate the merits of
each alternative and to judge which alternatives need additional study and followup.

Planning Authorization

Planning authorization is requested only when the State Conservationist is ready
to fully commit technical resources in an intense planning effort. Before re-
questing planning authorization, enough detailed planning is conducted to ensure
that a viable plan can be developed.

Watershed Plan-Environmehtal Impact Statement

A watershed plan-environmental impact statement (plan-EIS) is the document for
recording the results of the planning process. It provides a record of compliance
with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and related rules, orders,
and laws; is the basis for project authorization; and guides the implementation of
the recommended plan. It should clearly enumerate and describe the significant
problems, needs, opportunities, alternatives, and the direct, indirect, and
cumulative effects of the proposed project. It also explains decisions concerning
what is to be installed, cost sharing, responsibilities for installation, financing,
and operation and maintenance. In addition, the plan-EIS records the relationship
between beneficial and adverse effects.

The watershed work plan is the plan of the sponsoring local organization and is
the official document which is agreed upon by the Secretary of Agriculture and
that organization for installing and maintaining and operating a watershed project.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
(PL 87-703) (PL 74-46) (PL 91-343)

The Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) is administered through
RC&D areas which generally are made up of several counties. Area boundaries
include counties with similar problems and opportunities which can be addressed by
this program. RC&D areas are locally initiated, sponsored and directed. The
council is the governing body and is usually made up of county judges, mayors,
conservation district officials and others. Financial an~ technical assistance is
provided to RC&D areas through the USDA. The Soil Conservation Service has the
leadership for the program within the USDA.

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