Water Bank Program (10.062)
Program
10.062 Water Bank Program
Federal Agency
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Authorization
Water Bank Act, Public Law 91-559, Public Law 96-182.
Program Number
10.062
Last Known Status
Deleted 06/09/2006 (Funds have been recinded by Congress)
Objectives
To conserve surface waters; preserve and improve the Nation's Wetlands; increase migratory waterfowl habitat in nesting, breeding and feeding areas in the U.S.; and secure environmental benefits for the Nation.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Agreements are for 10 years with eligible landowners to help preserve important nesting, breeding, and feeding areas of migratory waterfowl. During the agreement, the participants agree in return for annual payments not to drain, burn, fill, or otherwise destroy the wetland character of such areas and not to use areas for agricultural purposes, as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary carries out the program in harmony with wetlands programs administered by the Secretary of the Interior and uses technical and related services of appropriate State, Federal, and private conservation agencies to assure proper coordination.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Landowners and operators of specified types of wetlands in designated important migratory waterfowl nesting, breeding and feeding areas.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Landowners and operators of specified types of wetlands in designated important migratory waterfowl nesting, breeding and feeding areas.
Credentials/Documentation
Identification as an owner and/or operator of eligible land; a conservation plan developed in cooperation with the local soil and water conservation district; and proof of required compliance. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. New contracts are not being accepted. Current contracts remain in effect with payments being made until the expiration date.
Application Procedure
Make application at the NRCS office for the county in which the land is located. Applicants must develop an approved conservation plan with local soil and water conservation district representatives. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110.
Award Procedure
New contracts are not being accepted. Current contracts remain in effect with payments being made until the expiration date.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Participants may appeal to the National Appeals Division.
Renewals
Subject to mutual agreement between the Secretary and the participants, within program provisions specified by the Secretary, for additional 10-year periods.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Annual payments may be made within the announced rate structures, for the eligible acreage. Participant must undertake needed land and water management measures.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Annual payments will be made for 10 years, and may be continued for additional periods of 10 years if mutually agreed to at the rates offered by the Secretary.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Performance reports, if any annual payments are made in advance of performance. (Statistical reports are made by administering offices.)
Audits
Recipients are subject to audit by Office of Inspector General, USDA.
Records
Maintained in the NRCS office and Federal record centers for a specified number of years.
Program Accomplishments
There are currently 4,953 agreements covering 614,648 acres in effect.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-3320-0-1-302.
Obligations
(Direct payments) FY 02 $45,261; FY 03 est $354,008; and FY 04 est $0. Note: From carryover funds.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$7 to $75 per acre. Average: $13.00.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Program regulations published in the Federal Register, 7 CFR Part 752. Program is announced through the news media and in letters to eligible participants in the county area designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a participating county.
Related Programs
10.902, Soil and Water Conservation; 15.611, Wildlife Restoration.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
For more information on this and other related programs, consult the local telephone directory for location of the NRCS office where your land is located. If a listing is not present; contact the appropriate State NRCS office listed in the Natural Resources Conservation Service section of Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013. Telephone: (202) 720-1870. Martha Joseph at (202) 720-7157.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
