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Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement
Replacement of river pumping plant and construction of canal interconnect system, main canal replacements, water conservation improvement project, reservoir renovation telemetry and flow measurement projects, and lateral rehabilitation.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
Reclamation has entered into several cooperative agreements with irrigation districts in the project area for planning, design, and construction activities.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Cost ceilings of $8,000,000 for conservation and improvements (section 3(g)) and $47,000,000 for construction (section 4(c)).
Reclamations Great Plains Region will enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Texas, water users in the program area, specified irrigation districts, and other non Federal entities to carry out the project if the Secretary of the Interior determines such agreements would be cost-effective and efficient.
A substantial portion of this program is directed toward funding 19 construction projects specifically identified in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Act, as amended.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The State of Texas, water users in the program area, specified irrigation districts, and other non-Federal entities.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The general public located in the state of Texas.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372.
An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review,(2) Applicants shall provide a report in accordance with Section 3(c) of the Act that includes, but is not limited to, (a) estimated project costs, conservation measures, and operational efficiency improvements, (b) a project plan and map, and (c) a cost-sharing commitment for applicant funding of its proportional share of project construction costs on an annual basis.
Application Procedures
Funding opportunity announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, SF-424 forms and any other forms to be used to submit application information, points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov.
Award Procedures
All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by a proposal evaluation panel comprised of qualified experts in the program area. Applications will be reviewed against the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Before providing funding for a project to the nonFederal project sponsor, the Secretary of the Interior shall determine that the nonFederal project sponsor is financially capable of funding the projects nonFederal share of the project costs. Final selection will be determined by the Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, or regional officials, as applicable to the project.
Deadlines
Varies by project. Deadline information will be included in all funding opportunity announcements posted on www.grants.gov.
Authorization
Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2000, Public Law 106-576, as amended; Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2002, Public Law 107-351.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Reclamation personnel listed as the point of contact in the funding announcement.
Appeals
None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Bureau of Reclamation will provide all applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award.
Renewals
Funding is available until all currently appropriated funds have been expended for this program. Additional funding for the program is at the discretion of Congress. Any request for a time extension must be in writing in accordance with the provisions stated in the agreement.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The nonfederal share of total project costs shall be 50 percent. Not more than 40 percent of the project costs may be paid by the State. The remainder of the nonFederal share may include in-kind contributions of goods and services, and the actual funds previously spent on feasibility and engineering studies. Awarded agreements must contain a commitment by the nonFederal project sponsors to fund their proportionate share of the project's construction costs on an annual basis. (Public Law 106- 576, Section 4(b), as amended).
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
There is no time restriction placed on the use of the funds. A schedule will be established with the recipient at the time of award. Any request for a time extension must be in writing in accordance with the provisions stated in the agreement.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Draft and final technical reports; SF-269A (quarterly), financial reports (quarterly), progress reports (quarterly); annual report; reports on significant developments (as necessary).
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance ($500,000 for fiscal years ending after December 1, 2003) or more a year in Federal awards will have a single or a program specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than ($500,000 for fiscal years ending after December 1, 2003) a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
State, local and Indian Tribal governments shall maintain project records in accordance with 43 CFR 12.82. All other recipients shall maintain project records in accordance with 43 CFR 12.953.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-0680-0-1-301.
Obigations
FY 07 $1,200,000; FY 08 est $2,519,000; and FY 09 est $50,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Average $1,460,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
43 CFR 12, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1; OMB Circulars, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html; these documents may also be obtained by contacting the Reclamation Office listed below.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Oklahoma Texas Area Office: Mr. Mark Trevino, Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Address: 5316 Highway 290 West, Suite 510, Austin, TX 78735-8931, Telephone: (512) 899-4150, E-mail: mtrevino@gp.usbr.gov .
Headquarters Office
Great Plains Region Office: Mr. Kimball M. Banks, Tribal and Financial Assistance Officer, Bureau of Reclamation, P.O. Box 36900, 316 North 26th Street, Billings MT 59101, Telephone: (406)247-7710, fax: (406)247-7695, E-mail: kbanks@gp.usbr.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The scopes of work must address and be responsive to the authorizing legislation and the appropriation ceiling.
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