Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement (YRBWE)

Within the Yakima River Basin: (1) to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife through improved water management; improved instream flows; improved water quality; protection, creation and enhancement of wetlands; and by other appropriate mean

Projects within the Yakima Basin that protect and enhance fish and wildlife while improving water supply.

State of Washington, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, water and irrigation districts, and water rights owners located in the project area.

Anyone/General Public, Intrastate, Local, Individual/Family, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments within the project area.

To participate in the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program an entity must submit a proposed water conservation plan to the Secretary of the Interior. Assistance is limited to those entities (districts, irrigation districts, individuals, or other entities) that equip all surface water delivery systems within their boundaries with volumetric water meters or equally effective water measuring methods within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation are not included in the provisions of this, Section 1203, except as to any funds specifically applied for from the Yakima River Basin Water Conservation Program. The Secretary of the Interior may use appropriated funds to purchase, or lease, land, water, or water rights from an entity or individual willing to limit or forego water use on a temporary or permanent basis. Funds used for purchase or lease under this paragraph are not subject to the cost sharing provisions of Section 1203(d).

Agreements are normally written for a 1 to 5 year period. Implementation agreements may be written to cover the period estimated in the approved Water Conservation Plan and Feasibility Study.

Environmental compliance for this program may be required depending on the scope of the specific project funded. This may result in the need for an environmental impact assessment or environmental impact statement prior to the commencement of project activities.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. Initial selection based on projects that would meet/fulfill the objectives of YRBWEP. After Water Conservation Plans are approved, feasibility studies are approved for those projects/measures that appear to result in the greatest benefit to YRBWEP. Implementation awards are based on those that are the most cost effective and result in the greatest water savings.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by a proposal evaluation panel comprised of personnel from the Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Regional Office, who are qualified experts in the program area. Applications will be reviewed against YRBWEP Authority criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Final selection will be determined by the Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, or regional officials, as applicable to the project. Entities meeting the basic criteria for participation in the YRBWEP must enter into a cost sharing agreement prior to beginning project work.

Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project.

None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Bureau of Reclamation will provide all applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award.