Section 104(g) of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 requires that this competitive grant program focus on water problems and issues of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of concern only to a single State and which relate to specific program priorities identified jointly by the Secretary
of the Interior and the water resources research) institutes.
Objectives of this program also include the following A.
Promote collaboration between the USGS and university scientists in research on significant national and regional water resources issues.
Proposals exhibiting substantial collaboration between the USGS and the applicant are encouraged and will receive extra weight in the evaluation and selection process.
Collaborative proposals should describe in detail the respective roles of the USGS and the applicant in the proposed work.
It is anticipated in FY2015 the USGS will have internal funds available for modest support of USGS scientists on selected proposals.
Potential applicants seeking collaborative opportunities are encouraged to contact USGS scientists directly http://water.usgs.gov/nrp/science.php or Water Science Center Directors http://water.usgs.gov/district_chief.html.
B.
Promote the dissemination and application of the results of the research funded under this program.
C.
Assist in the training of scientists in relevant water resource fields.
Proposals that include a strong educational component student support are encouraged, as are proposals from faculty beginning their careers.
Proposals are sought on the topic of improving and enhancing the nation¿s water supply and availability, and promoting the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems, including the following specific areas of inquiry levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority Evaluation of innovative approaches to water treatment, infrastructure design, retrofitting, maintenance, management and replacement.
Exploration and advancement of our understanding of changes in the quantity and quality of water resources in response to a changing climate, population shifts, and land use changes; including associated economic, environmental, social, and or infrastructure costs.
Development of methods for better estimation of water supply, both surface and groundwater, including estimation of the physical supply and of the economic supply of water.
Development and evaluation of processes and governance mechanisms for integrated surface ground water management.
Evaluation and assessment of the effects of water conservation practices, as well as adoption, penetration and permanence.