Water Quality Management Planning (66.454)

 

Program

66.454 Water Quality Management Planning

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

 

Authorization

Clean Water Act, Sections 205(j) and 604(b), as amended; Public Law 97-117; Water Quality Act of 1987; Public Law 100-4.

 

Program Number

66.454

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To assist States (including territories and the District of Columbia), Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations (RPCPOs) and Interstate Organizations (IOs) in carrying out water quality management (WQM) planning. States are encouraged to give priority to watershed restoration planning. Funding Priority: To assist States (including territories and the District of Columbia), Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations (RPCPOs) and Interstate Organizations (IOs) in carrying out water quality management (WQM) planning. States are encouraged to give priority to watershed restoration planning.

 

Types of Assistance

Formula Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Section 604(b) funds are awarded under Section 205(j)(2), to State water quality management agencies to carry out water quality management planning. Pursuant to Section 205(j)(3) of the CWA, as amended, States are required to allocate at least 40 percent of funds awarded under 205(j)(2) to eligible Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Agencies (RPCPOs) and Interstate Organizations (IOs). EPA may approve a State's request to pass through less than 40 percent if, after consultation with its RPCPOs and IOs, the Governor determines that pass through of at least 40 percent will not: (1) result in significant participation by RPCPOs and IOs in WQM planning; and (2) significantly assist in development and implementation of the State's WQM plan.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State Water Quality Management Agencies.

Beneficiary Eligibility

State Water Quality Management Agencies.

Credentials/Documentation

Compliance with 40 CFR 31. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination with appropriate Regional Office s recommended. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

The grant application must be submitted to the appropriate EPA Regional Administrator's Office. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Grant application is reviewed by appropriate EPA Regional Office.

Deadlines

Grant application forms must be submitted according to dates established by the Regional Administrators. Consult the appropriate EPA Regional Office for details.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

As described in 40 CFR Part 31, Subpart F.

Renewals

Not applicable.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Each fiscal year, the Administrator shall reserve under Section 604(b) for each State an amount not to exceed one percent of the amount allotted and available for obligation for construction grants or $100,000, whichever is greater, for the purposes of making grants to the States to carry out water quality management planning. Under Section 205(j)(3), at least 40 percent of a State's annual award under 205(j)(2), must be allocated to eligible RPCPOs and IOs, unless EPA approves a lesser amount.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

As determined in accordance with Section 205(j)of Public Law 97-117.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Annual expenditure reports.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $300,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133, "Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires nonfederal entities that expend more than $300,000 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133.

Records

Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate charges to each grant, must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA grant accounts. All records kept for 3 years from date of submission of the annual financial status report. If questions remain, records retained until matter is completely resolved.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2003, 57 State and territorial grants were awarded to support planning activities.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

68-0103-0-1-304.

Obligations

FY 02 $14,113,058; FY 03 est $14,034,327; and FY 04 est $9,900,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$100,000 to $1,500,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

EPA General Grant Regulations and Procedures, 40 CFR Part 31.

 

Related Programs

66.419, Water Pollution Control_State and Interstate Program Support.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Contact appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office

Don Kunkoski, Assessment and Watershed Protection Division (4503F), Office of Water, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004. Telephone: (301) 694-7329.

Web Site Address

http://www.epa.gov/ow/owow.htm

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Grants to States for revising water quality standards; performing waste load allocations/total maximum daily loads, point and non point source planning activities.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Funds are awarded to State agencies in accordance with Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act and annual EPA program guidance.