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<br />IMPLEMENTATION PLAN <br /> <br />Issue Identification <br /> <br />The first step in developing the new format for the salinity control program <br />was to identifY the issues and problems Reclamation faced in implementing <br />the original program, Reclamation started with the public review of the <br />program in 1994, The comments received confirmed the Inspector General's <br />finding that Reclamation was restricted by its unit-specific authorities and <br />that more cost-effective alternatives could be implemented if Reclamation's <br />authorities were broadened to allow a more flexible approach to where, how, <br />and by whom salinity control can be implemented, <br /> <br />From this review, Reclamation proposed legislation to authorize a goal- <br />oriented program for the entire basin in lieu of the site-specific <br />authorizations provided by past legislation, The goal of this basinwide <br />authority is to allow Reclamation greater flexibility to pursue cost-effective <br />alternatives, <br /> <br />The issues identified in the public review and to be addressed in <br />implementing the program include: <br /> <br />. Continue to allow federally financed projects, These are projects that <br />may be designed and constructed by local entities but are funded <br />directly by Reclamation, either by grant or cooperative agreement, <br /> <br />. Encourage non-federally financed projects, These are privately <br />financed projects for which Reclamation would pay a fee for each ton <br />removed, as it is removed, <br /> <br />. Pursue creative financing options, such as grants and construction <br />cooperative agreements by individuals, groups, companies, State, or <br />other Federal agencies, <br /> <br />. Establish fair ranking criteria and uniform determination of cost and <br />effectiveness, <br /> <br />. Ensure ranking is consistent between different areas and among <br />technologies, <br /> <br />. Account for ranking according to risk and uncertainties in <br />performance (both cost and tons), <br /> <br />. Protect against poor operation and maintenance of capital <br />improvements (or include as a risk factor), <br /> <br />. Meet environmental commitments, including wildlife replacement <br />requirements, "\ , \ r ~l () ,t <br />i,} 'c t oJ' <br /> <br />7 <br />