[Federal Register: March 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 43)]
[Notices]
[Page 10226-10230]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04mr04-55]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-7630-7]
Request for Wetlands Project Proposals
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Solicitation of proposals.
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SUMMARY: EPA Region 6 is soliciting proposals from State agencies,
local governments, and Tribes interested in applying for Federal
assistance for the State/Tribal/Local Government Wetlands Protection
Development Grant Program under the Clean Water Act section 104(b)(3),
33 U.S.C.1254(b)(3) in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas. This solicitation notice distributes EPA Region 6
requirements. For the FY 04 National Wetlands Guidance please see the
Federal Register 69 FR 6284, February 10, 2004 or the national Web site
at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines.
DATES: Proposals must be postmarked by May 3, 2004, for acceptance. No
exceptions will be made. Once the proposal is approved for further
funding consideration, applicants will be notified to submit a formal
application.
ADDRESSES: Send proposals with a cover sheet (included in this
guidance) to: Tyrone Hoskins, State/tribal Programs Section (6WQ-AT),
EPA Region 6; 1445 Ross Avenue Suite 1200; Dallas, TX 75202-2733. This
solicitation notice may also be found at the Assistance Program
Branch--State/tribal Programs Section Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/wetlands/index.htm
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyrone Hoskins, State/tribal Programs
Section EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue Suite 1200; Dallas, TX 75202-
2733, telephone: (214) 665-7375, fax: (214) 665-6490, e-mail:
hoskins.tyrone@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Agency Name: Region 6 Environmental
Protection Agency Water Division.
Funding Opportunity Title: Wetland Program Development Grants.
Announcement Type: Notice.
Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number: 66.461.
Overview
The goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) wetland
program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands in the
U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland
health. In pursuing these goals, EPA seeks to build the capacity of all
levels of government to develop and implement effective, comprehensive
programs for wetland protection and management. The six program areas
central to achieving these goals are: regulation, monitoring and
assessment, restoration, wetland water quality and watershed
management, public-private partnerships, and coordination among
agencies with wetland or wetland-related programs.
The Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs), initiated in FY90,
provide States, Tribes, local governments (S/T/LGs), interstate
associations, intertribal consortia, and national non-profit, non-
governmental organizations (hereafter referred to as applicants or
recipients) an opportunity to carry out projects to develop and refine
comprehensive wetland programs. WPDGs provide eligible applicants an
opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and
acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training,
demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
While WPDGs can continue to be used by recipients to build and
refine any element of a comprehensive wetland program, emphasis through
the competition process will be given to funding projects that address
these six areas as identified by EPA: (1) Wetland and stream
restoration; (2) protecting at risk waters; (3) watershed planning; (4)
hydrogeomorphic assessment; (5) wetlands monitoring strategy; and (6)
community environmental stewardship. States, Tribes, local governments
(S/T/LGs), interstate associations, intertribal consortia are eligible
to apply. Local/regional chapters/affiliations of a nonprofit
organization are not eligible for WPDGs.
Interest in the grant program has continued to grow over the years
and Congress has appropriated $15 million annually to support the
wetland grant program. Since the Wetland Grant Development Program
started in FY90, grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis to
support development of State and Tribal wetland programs.
The statutory authority for WPDGs is section 104(b)(3) of the Clean
Water Act (CWA). Section 104(b)(3) of the CWA restricts the use of
these grants to developing and refining wetland management programs by
conducting or promoting the coordination and acceleration of research,
investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and
studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction,
and elimination of water pollution. These competed grants may not be
used for the operational support of wetland programs unless it is
included in a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG). States and Tribes
may not use WPDG funds for implementation of a wetlands program.
However, funds available for WPDG grants may be combined in a PPG which
may, in certain circumstances, provide the authorization to undertake
implementation activities. For further information, see the final rules
on Environmental Program Grants for State, Interstate, and local
government agencies at 40 CFR part 35, subpart A and Tribes at 40 CFR
part 35, subpart B. All projects funded through this program must
contribute to the overall development and improvement of S/T/LG wetland
programs. Grant applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project
integrates with S/T/LG wetland programs.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The EPA Wetlands Program will award Wetland Program Development
Grants to assist States, tribes, and local governments with developing
new wetland programs or refining existing wetland programs, and NOT for
operational support of wetland programs. Reviewers will pay special
attention to the project's longevity and self-sustaining ability.
Additional consideration may be given to implementation projects that
actually demonstrate protection, restoration or enhancement of
wetlands. If a proposal does not meet EPA priorities, the proposal will
not be ranked. An applicant should choose the priority which is
suitable for their proposed project. EPA will use the selected priority
for the evaluation of the proposed project with criteria specific to
that priority. Each of the following priorities must also include an
outreach component:
1. Wetland and stream restoration: EPA is interested in partnering
with state, tribal, and local governments in the area of wetland and
stream restoration. Projects should focus on
[[Page 10227]]
demonstration of new methods, innovative procedures and new
partnerships that lead to advances in restoration technology of
wetlands and streams. Support for training of personnel is possible
with the demonstration project resulting as a part of the training.
Grant funds cannot be used to purchase property. Project areas should
not be within a mitigation bank.
2. At Risk Waters: Since the Supreme Court ruling on ``isolated''
waters in the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) vs.
Corps of Engineers case there has been a growing regulatory uncertainty
as to the extent of protection of isolated waters and what role the
State and Tribes play in protection of such resources. EPA is
specifically interested in assisting states and tribes in developing
programs that address protection of waters no longer under federal
jurisdiction.
3. Watershed Planning: EPA is interested in assisting states,
tribes, and local governments in watershed approaches that work to
integrate wetlands into a Watershed (Ecosystem) Approach to protect
resources, prevent pollution, achieve sustainable environmental goals,
and meet other objectives important to the community. Although
watershed approaches may vary in terms of specific objectives,
priorities, elements, timing and resources, they should be based on
partnerships, geographic focus, sound management techniques, science
and data. Applicants must identify any funding that has been used to
address watershed planning and include an implementation phase of plan.
4. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Assessment: For States and Tribes
incorporating wetlands into their water by the Clean Water Act, EPA
guidance recommends the development of functional assessment or other
biological methodology models to classify wetlands. The Hydrogeomorphic
(HGM) Approach could be easily used to identify the types of wetlands
common to any State and in the designation of beneficial uses for
wetlands.
HGM model development continues to be a high priority with EPA.
As such, Region 6 will continue target the development of HGM models
for regulatory and planning purposes. Region 6 is also interested in
a state and/or tribe hosting training on the HGM guide book
development in FY04.
5. Wetlands Monitoring Strategy: EPA has requested that each State
and Tribe develop a comprehensive monitoring program strategy that
addresses all waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, the Great
Lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands, and groundwater
(see http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/elements/ for more
information). One of the goals of this strategy is to move toward
meeting the reporting requirements of CWA Sec. 305(b), that is, to
provide ``an analysis of the extent to which all navigable
waters'provide for the protection and propagation of a balanced
population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife * * *'' EPA encourages to
work across programmatic and agency lines to incorporate various
monitoring plans and approaches into this comprehensive strategy.
Included in this effort should be the integration of wetland monitoring
plans into the water quality monitoring strategy.
6. Community Environmental Stewardship (Urban Sprawl): EPA has
identified the need for a focus on stream and wetland protection in
rapidly developing urban areas. Measures such as training, educational
programs, public-planning efforts, demonstration of bioengineering as
an alternative to traditional methods and resource preservation of
streams and wetlands are targeted for funding and technical assistance.
II. Award Information
[sbull] Region 6 estimates $1.3 million funding level for FY 2004.
[sbull] The amount and number of awards will vary according to the
number of proposals selected.
[sbull] Wetland funds will be awarded in the form of Cooperative
Agreements. Cooperative Agreements require substantial EPA involvement.
Quarterly reports will be required as well as annual performance
evaluations.
[sbull] The available funds cannot be used for renewal or
supplementation of existing projects.
[sbull] The average award for FY 2003 was $129,000.
[sbull] State, Tribe, or local government must provide a 25 percent
(25%) match of the total costs of the project.
[sbull] 15 percent (15%) of funding allocation will be targeted to
support local and tribal initiatives.
[sbull] Anticipated start dates for FY 2004 projects will be
September 01, 2004.
[sbull] Project performance periods will be between 12 months and
48 months.
III. Eligibility Information
Failure to submit the requested information by the corresponding
dates will result in the elimination of the project from consideration
for funding. Applicants with poor past performance records on wetlands
projects will not be considered for these funds. Funds are available
specifically to assist State, tribal, and local government agencies in
wetland protection efforts. Projects must clearly demonstrate a direct
link to increase in the State's, tribe's, or local government's ability
to protect, restore, and/or manage its wetland resources. EPA will
provide 75% of the total cost of the selected projects. The recipient
will be responsible for the remaining 25% (match). Federal funds cannot
be used as matching funds (except Bureau of Indian Affairs 638 funds).
IV. Application and Submission Information
This announcement contains all of the information needed to apply
for the available funds. The FY 2004 EPA Wetlands Solicitation Notice
can also be viewed at the following Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm.
Applications are not requested at this
time. If a proposal is identified as having particular merit, then EPA
will request a formal, completed grant application and a detailed
workplan.
Important Dates to Note
May 3, 2004--Proposals must be POSTMARKED by this date, or they
will not be accepted. Certified mail is recommended, and keep
documentation.
June 2, 2004--Letters are sent requesting formal applications from
selected proposals.
July 2, 2004--Formal applications must be POSTMARKED by this date,
or they will not be accepted. Certified mail is recommended, and keep
documentation.
July 19, 2004--Awarding of grants and Congressional notification to
grantees *(See note below)
Note: The Headquarters Office of Congressional and Legislative
Affairs notifies the congressional delegation when a grant is
awarded in a Region 6 State/Congressional district. Each grant is
held for five (5) working days after signature to allow the
congressional delegation time to make an announcement, if so
desired. Headquarters has asked that requests for waivers of the
five-day notification period no longer be made. Therefore, this
five-day congressional hold is built into the grant cycle process.
Guidelines for Proposals
A proposal is different from a work plan. Pre-proposal assistance
is available through April 19, 2004. Please contact Ms. Wanda Boyd at
214-665-6696 or Richard Prather at 214-665-8333 to arrange for pre-
proposal assistance. If you are unsure of any section or criteria,
please call Region 6 BEFORE you submit your package. Keep in mind this
is a competitive process, and adherence to the proposal guidelines is
part of the selection
[[Page 10228]]
criteria. The proposal should contain the following information, with a
maximum of five (5) one sided pages:
1. All Proposals must utilize the standard Wetlands Proposal Cover
Sheet which can be found at the following Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm
.
2. Title;
3. Identify which priority your proposal addresses.
4. Introduction with brief background, goals, and objectives;
5. Overview of project, listing each task and deliverable. Give
specific information concerning the task, explaining how it will be
accomplished, how it relates to the overall project, and how the
progress will be monitored;
6. A location map and a project site map/drawing (these will not
count against the five page limit);
7. Any use of contractors must be included and explained. Guidance
precludes greater than a 50% pass through to contractors, and specifies
significant involvement of grant recipient.
8. Proposed costs, broken down by task, including contractor's
costs by task;
9. Identify measures of success, including clear milestones with
expected dates. Include the number of wetland acres affected by
project;
10. Include a public participation element (40 CFR part 25) in the
proposal which reflects how public participation will be provided,
encouraged, and assisted. Include a full description of its interagency
and public participation process. This process should go beyond the
input stage and include information and methods of sharing throughout
the project period;
11. There should be concrete demonstration of coordination/
partnership among various agencies. This can be accomplished in various
ways, including a written agreement with agencies outlining
responsibilities and commitment to the project; and,
12. Region 6 requires a 25% match of the total project cost. The
proposal needs to show the Federal assistance amount you are requesting
from EPA, 25% minimum agency match, and the total amount for the
project. Use the following formula: Requested EPA amount divided by 75%
equals the total amount for the project. Subtract the EPA amount from
the total, and that is the minimum, required match. Your match may
exceed 25%. (Example: EPA amount $50,000; project total is $66,667;
required 25% match is $16,667).
13. Explain if your agency has a Quality Management Plan (QMP)
approved by EPA. If your project contains environmental measurements, a
QMP must be approved before any money can be awarded.
14. Identify if there are any known threatened or endangered
species and/or cultural resource concerns.
V. Proposal Review Information
An applicant should choose the priority which is suitable for their
proposed project. EPA will use the selected priority for the evaluation
of the proposed project with criteria specific to that priority. Each
priority has criteria with associated points, with an opportunity for
comments. The points of each reviewer for each proposal are totaled,
comments are added, then each proposal is given an average. The
Committee meets to discuss each proposal and review the results of
scoring. The proposals with the highest ranking, up to the estimated
amount of funding, are selected. The selection of a proposal does not
necessarily mean that the requested amount will be offered. The
Wetlands Team will review the workplan and budget may subsequently
request that the amount of work and/or the budget be revised. Upon
approval of management, formal applications are then requested from the
selected applicants.
Each of the priorities will also include an outreach component that
will have criteria for the outreach component as part of the
evaluation. These outreach criteria of the six priorities are listed
below.
Outreach Requirements To Be Included Within Each Priority (15 points)
Successful outreach programs should include, but not be limited to:
development of innovative, hands-on, interactive tools and exercises;
workshops; new publications; public awareness videos on topics such as
wetlands and riparian areas which are not generally well understood;
watershed-based and community-based education for all ages. Low
priority will be given to projects which are predominantly reprinting
of publications, and projects which are redundant of past activities
and do not further public understanding of wetlands, watersheds,
streams, and riparian areas.
EPA is interested in continued success with environmental outreach
and environmental education (EE) programs which raise awareness of
human impacts on the environment, and corrective measures which address
those impacts. Project proposals consistent with the above six
technical and regulatory priorities are expected to have well developed
outreach components, five criteria, 3 points each, 15% of total score:
1. This project actively engages a wide range of partners
(individuals, business, non-governmental organizations, government) in
the affected community/target audience which represent diverse
interests.
2. The outreach plan/activities provide efficient delivery of the
project goals/mission/outcomes to the affected area/community.
3. The tools/materials/media developed or used in this project
effectively convey information/education to a well targeted audience,
and are easily adapted/reproduced for use in related projects/programs.
4. This project has measures of outreach/EE success that are
realistic, and will clearly demonstrate attainment of goals presented
in the project proposal.
5. Activities/tools/materials/ used for outreach in this project
are developed/obtained in a cost-effective manner.
Priority
1. Wetland and stream restoration: EPA is interested in partnering
with state, tribal, and local governments in the area of wetland and
stream restoration. Projects should focus on demonstration of new
methods, innovative procedures and new partnerships that lead to
advances in restoration technology of wetlands and streams are sought.
A monitoring component must be incorporated into the workplan. Support
for training of personnel is possible with the demonstration project
resulting as a part of the training. Grant funds cannot be used to
purchase property. Project areas should not be within a preapproved
mitigation bank.
Criteria: (85 points).
1. Does the proposal demonstrate significant environmental results
and is self-sustaining, naturally functioning wetland or riparian area?
2. What type of restoration is proposed? What will be the on ground
activities that will result in a change to the landscape?
3. What is the size of the area being proposed?
4. Will the project result in the protection or preservation of
wetland habitat for a threatened or endangered species?
5. Will the project demonstrate new innovative ways to restore
wetlands or streams?
6. Will the project include a training component?
[[Page 10229]]
7. Stream restoration projects require a minimum of three years of
post-restoration monitoring.
Priority
2. At Risk Waters: Since the Supreme Court ruling on ``isolated''
waters in the SWANCC case there has been a growing regulatory
uncertainty as to the extent of protection of isolated waters and what
role the State and Tribes play in protection of such resources. EPA is
specifically interested in assisting states and tribes in developing
programs that address protection of waters no longer under federal
jurisdiction.
Criteria: (85 points).
1. Will the proposal assist states, tribes and local governments in
protecting, restoring and or enhancing ``waters at risk'?
2. Does the proposal address impact assessment--direct and indirect
effects to wetlands?
3. Is there a focus on particularly vulnerable areas and/or
resources within the state? How are these areas determined?
4. Where does the authority to protect vulnerable areas come from--
statute, regulation, policy? Will the protective measures come from
voluntary participation?
5. Is the project achievable and does it have sustainable long term
benefits?
Priority
3. Watershed Planning: EPA is interested in assisting states,
tribes, and local governments in watershed approaches that work to
integrate wetlands into a Watershed (Ecosystem) Approach to protect
resources, prevent pollution, achieve sustainable environmental goals,
and meet other objectives important to the community. Although
watershed approaches may vary in terms of specific objectives,
priorities, elements, timing and resources, they should be based on
partnerships, geographic focus, sound management techniques, science
and data. Applicants must identify any funding that has been used to
address watershed planning and include an implementation phase of plan.
Criteria: (85 points).
To be eligible for funding the plan must contain a specific wetland
and implementation component which will yield identifiable
environmental improvements, i.e. acres of wetlands restored or
preserved.
1. Will the project have achievable and have sustainable long term
benefits?
2. Does the project implement wetlands improvements as a part of a
broader, more comprehensive watershed plan?
3. Is the proposed project being developed and implemented by
multiple partners in a new or existing group or alliance whose goal it
is to address the various problems affecting water quality in a
specific watershed?
4. Has the specific wetland(s) to be addressed been identified?
5. Has the implementation component been clearly described?
6. In light of the implementation component that has been
described, has a realistic environmental improvement endpoint been
identified?
7. Has the method(s) for identifying environmental improvement
endpoints been clearly identified?
Priority
4. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Assessment: For States incorporating
wetlands into their water quality standards as required by the Clean
Water Act, EPA guidance recommends the development of functional
assessment or other biological methodology models to classify wetlands.
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach could be easily used to identify the
types of wetlands common to any State and in the designation of
beneficial uses for wetlands.
HGM model development continues to be a high priority with the EPA
HQ. As such, EPA will continue to target the development of HGM models
for regulatory and planning purposes. EPA is also interested in a state
and/or tribe hosting training on the HGM guide book development in
FY04.
Criteria: (85 points).
1. Will the project result in, or contribute to, the development of
a statewide wetland monitoring plan or strategy for incorporation into
a State's or Tribe's comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy?
2. Does the project include a process and/or procedures for
developing an assessment method? Are there reference wetlands or areas
being used in the process?
3. Is the assessment tool transferrable to other wetland types?
4. Will the classification of functional wetland processes/systems
utilized in the HGM model development assist the State/Tribe in
designating functional wetland classifications/uses in wetland water
quality standards, wetland monitoring strategies, in the regulatory
program, or long-term restoration projects?
5. Does the project include training of staff, which would result
in enhanced environmental protection of wetlands?
Priority
5. Community Environmental Stewardship (Urban Sprawl): EPA has
identified the need for a focus on stream and wetland protection in
rapidly developing urban areas. Measures such as training, educational
programs, public-planning efforts, demonstration of bioengineering as
alternative to traditional methods and resource preservation of streams
and wetlands are targeted for funding and technical assistance.
Criteria: (85 points).
All planning and training efforts must include implementation
measures (demonstration project) to be eligible for funding.
1. Will the project implement a part of the State or Tribal
Wetlands conservation plan?
2. Does project have a plan to measure long term success
(monitoring plan)?
3. Is the project using alternative techniques to assess, restore,
monitor stream and/or wetlands?
4. Has the specific stream and/or wetland(s) to be addressed been
identified?
5. Has the implementation component been clearly described?
6. In light of the implementation component that has been
described, has a realistic environmental improvement endpoint been
identified? Is it adjustable for future growth?
7. Has the method(s) for identifying environmental improvement
endpoints been clearly identified?
Priority
6. Wetlands Monitoring Strategy: EPA has requested that each State
and Tribe develop a comprehensive monitoring program strategy that
addresses all State waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, the Great
Lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands, and groundwater.
One of The goals of this strategy is to move States and Tribes toward
meeting the reporting requirements of CWA Sec. 305(b), that is, to
provide ``an analysis of the extent to which all navigable waters * * *
provide for the protection and propagation of a balanced population of
shellfish, fish, and wildlife * * *'' EPA encourages States and Tribes
to work across programmatic and agency lines to incorporate various
monitoring plans and approaches into this comprehensive strategy.
Criteria: (85 points).
1. Will the project result in, or contribute to, the development of
a statewide wetland monitoring plan or strategy for incorporation into
a State's or Tribe's comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy?
2. Does the proposal provide a commitment to develop a wetlands
[[Page 10230]]
monitoring plan or strategy that will incorporate all wetland types?
3. Is there evidence that partnerships with other agencies or
organizations charged with conducting water quality monitoring have
been made, or will be made, to adequately assure that the strategy will
be integrated with the State's or tribe's comprehensive strategy?
4. There are 10 elements which should be included in a statewide
monitoring program (see http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/elements/).
A monitoring strategy would be the first element and the following nine
(9) elements are incorporated into the strategy. These strategies
should be State or tribe specific, be designed from the monitoring
capabilities each State or tribe already has, and incorporate a time
frame, not to exceed 10 years, for completion of implementation of the
strategy.
10 Elements of a Monitoring Program
1. Monitoring Program Strategy
2. Monitoring Objectives
3. Monitoring Design
4. Core and Supplemental Water Quality Indicators (e.g. biological
community condition, wetland hydrogeomorphic settings and functions)
5. Quality Assurance
6. Data Management
7. Data Analysis/Assessment
8. Reporting
9. Programmatic Evaluation
10. General Support and Infrastructure Planning
5. Does the project proposal make a commitment to describe how the
State or Tribe plans to address each of the remaining nine (9)
elements, as appropriate, in its wetland monitoring strategy?
EPA Will Not Provide Funds for the Following
[sbull] Boardwalks, interpretive buildings or other like
structures, walking paths, park amenities such as restrooms, parking
lots, boat ramps.
[sbull] Any project that may negatively impact any threatened or
endangered species.
VI. Award Administration Information for Competitive Process
A. Award Notices
All applicants will be notified by the Region 6 EPA Office on
whether or not the applicant has been selected for funding. The
notification is not an authorization to begin performance. A notice
signed by the Management Division is the authorizing document to the
applicant to begin performance.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The general award and administration process for all WPDGs is
governed by regulations at 40 CFR part 30 (``Grants and Agreements with
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit
Organizations''), 40 CFR part 31 (``Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and local governments'')
and 40 CFR part 35, subpart A (``Environmental Program Grants for
State, interstate, and local government agencies'') and subpart B
(``Environmental Program Grants for Tribes'').
C. Reporting
WPDGs are currently covered under the following EPA grant
regulations: 40 CFR part 30 (non-profit organizations); 40 CFR part 31
(States, Tribes, interstate agencies, intertribal consortia and local
governments) and 40 CFR part 35, subpart A (States, interstate agencies
and local governments) and subpart B (Tribes and intertribal
consortia). These regulations specify basic grant reporting
requirements, including performance and financial reports (see 40 CFR
30.51, 30.52, 31.40, 31.41, 35.115, and 35.515.) Region 6 EPA will work
closely with recipients to incorporate appropriate performance measures
into each grant agreement consistent with 40 CFR 30.51, 31.40, 35.115,
and 35.515. Quarterly reports will be required for all awarded
projects.
VII. Agency Contact
Tyrone Hoskins, State/Tribal Programs Section (6WQ-AT), EPA Region
6; 1445 Ross Avenue; Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: 214-665-7187; E-mail:
hoskins.tyrone@epa.gov.
VIII. Other Information
A. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
QA/QC and peer review are sometimes applicable to these grants (see
40 CFR 30.54 and 40 CFR 31.45.) QA/QC requirements apply to the
collection of environmental data. Environmental data are any
measurements or information that describe environmental processes,
location, or conditions; ecological or health effects and consequences;
or the performance of environmental technology. Environmental data
include information collected directly from measurements, produced from
models, and compiled from other sources such as databases or
literature. Applicants should allow sufficient time and resources for
this process. EPA can assist applicants determine whether QA/QC is
required for the proposed project. If QA/QC is required for the
project, the applicant is encouraged to work with the appropriate EPA
quality staff to determine the appropriate QA/QC practices for the
project. If the applicant has an EPA-approved quality assurance project
plan and it covers the project in the application, then they need only
reference the plan in their application. Contact the appropriate
Headquarters or Regional Office Wetland Grant Coordinator (See Section
VII for Agency Contact information) for referral to an EPA quality
staff.
B. Public Participation
EPA regulations require public participation in various Clean Water
Act programs including grants (40 CFR part 25). Each applicant for EPA
financial assistance shall include tasks for public participation in
their project's work plan submitted in the grant application (40 CFR
25.11.) The project work plan should reflect how public participation
will be provided for, assisted, and accomplished.
C. Annual Wetlands Meeting/Training
EPA encourages S/T/LGs to include travel plans for wetland
personnel to attend at least one national wetland meeting in support of
the project or for training each year (e.g., National EPA, State,
tribal, local wetland meeting or wetland monitoring workshops.)
Applicants should account for travel plans and costs in the work plans
and the project budget. EPA's Wetlands Program does not anticipate
providing travel for State, tribal or local government staff to attend
meetings other than through this grant program.
Dated: February 25, 2004.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 04-4825 Filed 3-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P