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<br />MAY 1982 <br /> <br />nesting and breeding areas for migratory waterfowl and achieving <br />desirable adjustments in land use~ Cost-sharing programs are <br />administered by Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation committees <br />at the state and county levels. County committees approve applications <br />from local landowners for cost-sharing and authorize payments after <br />conservation practices have been applied satisfactorily. <br /> <br />2. Federal Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500, as amended by Sec. <br />35 of the Clean Water Act -- PL 95-217) <br /> <br />The purpose of this authority is to restore and maintain the <br />chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. <br />Under authority of the Act the Rural Clean Water Program was designed <br />to help control nonpoint sources of pollution. It is a voluntary <br />program for applying best management practices on privately owned rural <br />land in eligible project areas. pollution control is to be achieved in <br />the most cost-effective manner possible in keeping with producing <br />adequate supplies of food and fiber and maintaining a quality <br />environment. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Landowners may apply for cost-share assistance until September 30, <br />1988. Financial assistance is provided through long-term contracts (5 <br />to 10 years) to install best management practices in areas having <br />critical water quality problems resulting from agricultural activities. <br />Landowners can receive up to 50 percent of the cost of applying Best <br />Management Practices. This amount may be increased when it is deter- <br />mined there are significant off-site public benefits and if a lower <br />cost-share rate places a burden on the participant that would prevent <br />participation in the program. Maximum federal cost-share per partici- <br />pant is $50,000. Once a contract is approved the full amount of <br />cost-share funds are set aside for completion of the contract. <br /> <br />Landowners and operators in approved proj ect areas who develop and <br />submit an acceptable water quality plan for their farm or ranch to the <br />Soil Conservation District and sign a contract with the administering <br />agency become eligible to participate in the program. Assistance to <br />develop the Water Quality Plan is available from the Soil Conservation <br />Service through Soil Conservation Districts, and from others. <br /> <br />The State Soil Conservation Agency, State Water Quality Agency, or <br />Soil Conservation Districts administer Rural Clean Water Projects when <br />practical. The USDA will administer the program when one of these is <br />not designated. The SCS, having program leadership for USDA, transfers <br />funds to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for <br />partial administration of the program. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3. The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (PL 566 - 83rd <br />Congress) <br /> <br />Under this authority USDA has a permanent program by which <br />technical and financial assistance can be given to local watershed <br />groups willing to assume responsibility for initiating, carrying out, <br />and sharing the costs of upstream watershed protection and flood <br />control. Included in the Act are authorities to: <br /> <br />VII-2 <br /> <br />,"' Q<j~ <br />r\ ( , }. 0 <br />~-' '- - <br />