Irrigation Operations and Maintenance on Indian Lands (15.049)

 

Program

15.049 Irrigation Operations and Maintenance on Indian Lands

 

Federal Agency

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

Authorization

Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, as amended, 25 U.S.C. 450; Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994, Public Law 103-1560, 108 Stat. 1560; American Indian Agriculture Resource Management Act, Public Law 103-177, 107 Stat. 2011, 25 U.S.C. 3701; Act of November 4, 1983, Public Law 98-146; Public Law 103-302, 60 Stat. 895, 25 U.S.C. 162a.

 

Program Number

15.049

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To conserve water and operate and maintain the irrigation water delivery systems on Indian irrigation projects and maintain the dams in a safe, economical, beneficial, and equitable manner.

 

Types of Assistance

Direct Payments for Specified Use; Use of Property, Facilities, and Equipment; Provision of Specialized Services.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds are for the operation and maintenance of Indian irrigation projects and the Indian Dams Safety Maintenance Program. Funding is restricted to existing projects.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations authorized by Indian tribal governments.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments and their members and Native American Organizations.

Credentials/Documentation

Initial application for financial assistance must be accompanied by a resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Informal preapplication conference is recommended. Technical assistance in preparing the application is available upon request. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

Initial applications must contain the information specified in 25 CFR, Part 900, Subpart C, "Contract Proposal Contents." Completed applications should be submitted to the local BIA agency office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Award Procedure

In most cases, the award can be approved at the agency level. In some instances, the application will be forwarded to the Area Director for approval. Payments may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement. The timing of payments is negotiated with the grantee.

Deadlines

None.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

An unsuccessful applicant may request an informal conference with the deciding official, or may appeal the denial of the application to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, or may bring suit in U.S. District Court. Full appeal procedures are found in 25 CFR, Part 900.

Renewals

Awards may be renewed indefinitely upon satisfactory performance by the contractor/grantee. A notice of intent to renew should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current award.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended by the contractor/grantee. Payments may be made in advance or by way of reimbursement. The timing of payments will be negotiated with the grantee.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Financial status reports, SF 269A, are required. The timing and nature of program accomplishment data will be negotiated with the contractor/grantee.

Audits

For awards made under this program, grantees and subgrantees are responsible for obtaining audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et. seq.).

Records

Financial records must be retained for 3 years from the date of submission of the single audit report. Procurement records must be retained for 3 years from the date of final payment. Property records must be retained for 3 years from the date of disposition, replacement, or transfer. Records pertaining to any litigation, audit exceptions, or claims must be retained until the dispute has been resolved.

 

Program Accomplishments

Funds ensure that irrigation systems are in proper working condition to deliver available water for agricultural purposes, thus avoiding costly litigation against the U.S. government. Funds also provide for water storage costs to the Bureau of Recreation on delivery to irrigation systems as required by legislation, court order or contractual agreement.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-2100-0-1-302.

Obligations

(Total Amount of Awards) FY 02 $7,149,000; FY 03 est $6,805,000; and FY 04 est $6,865,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$8,000 to $3,000,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

25 CFR, Parts 159, 171, 172, 173, and 900.

 

Related Programs

15.065, Safety of Dams on Indian Lands.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Applications may be filed with the local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency office as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office

Office of Trust Responsibilities, Division of Water and Land Resources, Branch of Irrigation, Power, and Safety of Dams, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street NW, MS 4513 MIB, Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-5480. Contact: Ross Mooney.

Web Site Address

http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

The program provides for the delivery of water for irrigation purposes. Facets of the program include water storage costs to the Bureau of Reclamation and repair and maintenance costs.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals are evaluated on the capability of the prospective applicant to successfully conduct the project, and on the budget and its effective use.