ITEM: 10
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 319(h) GRANT, APPROVING THE PROJECT PRIORITY LIST, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND AMENDMENT OF CONTRACTS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECTS

DISCUSSION: Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) provides grants to states to implement Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Programs. It is anticipated that approximately $6,000,000 will be available to California under Section 319(h) for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1999. The funds will be used to implement NPS projects on the proposed priority list (Attachment) and support NPS activities performed by Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) staffs.

Starting in 1997, the Sections 205(j) and 319(h) grants process has been coordinated with the Watershed Management Initiative (WMI). On February 9, 1998, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was released to formally initiate the solicitation process. The RFP clearly described the coordinated Sections 205(j) and 319(h) grants allocation process. Project proponents were directed to work with the RWQCBs or Division of Water Quality (DWQ) prior to submittal of the final proposals.

The deadline for submittal of proposed projects was April 17, 1998. Subsequently, the respective RWQCB and DWQ organizations reviewed and ranked the proposals in accordance with the WMI Chapters and the process specified in the RFP. The organizations' rankings were submitted to the WMI work group and Committee for compilation of the recommended statewide priority list.

The WMI Committee consists of the Assistant Executive Officers of the RWQCBs, Chief of DWQ, a representative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Water Division and is chaired by the SWRCB Deputy Director. The WMI Committee's priority list was reviewed and accepted by the Executive Committee prior to its submittal to the SWRCB for consideration of approval. The projects presented in the
Attachment are listed in recommended priority order and at a proposed funding level. All of the projects on the attachment can be funded from the anticipated grant at the proposed funding level.

POLICY ISSUE: Should the SWRCB adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director to accept a CWA Section 319(h) grant for FFY 1999, approving the project priority list, and authorizing execution and amendment of contracts to implement the projects?

FISCAL IMPACT: Existing NPS Program budget authority is adequate to accommodate the anticipated grant.

RWQCB IMPACT: Yes. All RWQCBs

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director to accept a CWA Section 319(h) grant for FFY 1999, approving the project priority list, and authorizing execution and amendment of contracts to implement the projects.

Note: The "Proposed Federal Clean Water Action Section 319(h) Grant Project Priority List--FFY1999--September 17, 1998" is not available electronically. For copies contact: Monica Torres, Division of Water Quality, State Water Resources Control Board, P.O. Box 944213, Sacramento, CA 94244-2130, (916) 657-1132 or FAX (916) 657-2127

WHEREAS:

1. The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) provides grant funds for states to implement Nonpoint Source (NPS) management programs.

2. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is the designated State agency in California to administer the NPS Program.

3. The SWRCB approved a NPS Management Plan on November 15, 1988 which included activities that the SWRCB and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) will undertake to control NPS pollution.

4. On June 22, 1995, the SWRCB adopted its Strategic Plan which requires the implementation of a Watershed Management Initiative (WMI) and coordination of many SWRCB/RWQCB activities under the WMI.

5. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has notified the SWRCB that the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1999 CWA Section 319(h) grant allocation will not exceed $6,000,000.

6. The SWRCB's NPS Section distributed a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 9, 1998 soliciting for grant-funded NPS projects.

7. A recommended NPS project priority list (Attachment) was prepared by SWRCB and RWQCBs staffs using the WMI Process in accordance with the RFP specifications.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The SWRCB:

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on September 17, 1998.

_____________________________________

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board