WSP06290

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 5/1/1986
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

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CHAPTER 3

AGENCY ROLES AND COORDINATION

USDA

Title II of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act (Public
Law 93-320) directs that the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has the
leadership role for the implementation program and responsibility for
the technical adequacy of the installed practices,

Working through the Big Sandy Conservation District, the SCS will
assist irrigators with the development of individual or group salinity
control plans, These plans will identify the type and extent of
practices needed for salinity control and for replacing wildlife values
foregone. Those practices that are applicable to each farm and that
will be installed by each landowner or operator will be included in each
salinity control plan.

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The SCS will provide technical assistance for designing,
constructing, and certifying completion of those practices identified in
the salinity control plan. Additionally, technical assistance will be
made available for the proper operation of the improved system and for
the implementation of the needed improvements in irrigation water
management. Also, the SCS will conduct a monitoring and evaluation
program to assess the effect of these salinity control practices.
Wildlife habitat foregone will be replaced through voluntary development
and enhancement of habitat.

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Cooperate with the Cooperative Extension Service in evaluation of
data and assist in putting on winter meetings and irrigation water
management workshops.

Under the Act, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service (ASCS) has the responsibility for administering the cost-share
and repayment aspects of the project. This responsibility includes
interviewing farmers, giving information on the salinity program,
processing and approving applications for and administering contracts,
determining eligibility of producers' land, processing and approving
cost-share payments, and controlling the payment limitation. ASCS also
will establish two accounting systems--one by which records are
maintained for the life of each contract to facilitate compliance with
the lifespan requirements of cost-shared practices. The other system
accounts for expenditure of Federal USDA funds as a basis for
administering repayment from power revenues.

Under the Act, the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) has the
responsibility for conducting an education program that will enhance
local understanding and acceptance of the project. As the project
activity develops, an aggressive information and education program
demonstrating new systems, irrigation water management practices, and

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