[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 35 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1747-S1748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CRAPO:
  S. 2296. A bill to provide grants for special environmental 
assistance for the regulation of communities and habitat (SEARCH) to 
small communities; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


                             PROJECT SEARCH

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
authorize a national environmental grants program for small communities 
called Project SEARCH.
  The national Project SEARCH (Special Environmental Assistance for the 
Regulation of Communities and Habitat) concept is based on a 
demonstration program that has been operating with great success in 
Idaho in 1999 and 2000. In short, the bill establishes a simplified 
application process for communities of under 2,500 individuals to 
receive assistance in meeting a broad array of federal, state, or local 
environmental regulations. Grants would be available for initial 
feasibility studies, to address unanticipated costs arising during the 
course of a project, or when a community has been turned down or 
underfunded by traditional sources. The grant program would require no 
match from the recipients.
  Some of the major highlights of the program are:
  A simplified application process--no special grants coordinators 
required;
  No unsolicited bureaucratic intrusions into the decision-making 
process;
  Communities must first have attempted to receive funds from 
traditional sources;
  It is open to studies or projects involving any environmental 
regulation;
  Applications are reviewed and approved by citizens panel of 
volunteers;
  The panel chooses number of recipients and size of grants;
  The panel consists of volunteers representing all regions of the 
state; and
  No local match is required to receive the SEARCH funds.
  Over the past several years, it has become increasing apparent that 
small communities are having problems complying with environmental 
rules and regulations due primarily to lack of funding, not a 
willingness to do so. They, like all of us, want clean water and air 
and a healthy natural environment. Sometimes, they simply cannot 
shoulder the financial burden with their limited resources.
  In addition, small communities wishing to pursue unique collaborative 
efforts might be discouraged by grant administrators who prefer 
conformity. Some run into unexpected costs during a project and have 
borrowed and bonded to the maximum. Others are in critical habitat 
locations and any project may have additional costs, which may not be 
recognized by traditional financial sources. Still others just need 
help

[[Page S1748]]

for the initial environmental feasibility study so they can identify 
the most effective path forward.
  With these needs in mind, in 1998, I was able to secure $1.3 million 
through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a demonstration 
grant program for Idaho's small communities. Idaho's program does not 
replace other funding sources, but serves as a final resort when all 
other means have been exhausted.
  The application process was simplified so that any small town mayor, 
county commissioner, sewer district chairman, or community leader could 
manage it without hiring a professional grant writer. An independent 
citizens committee with statewide representation was established to 
make the selections and get the funds on the ground as quickly as 
possible. No bureaucratic or political intrusions were permitted.
  Although the EPA subsequently insisted that grants be limited to 
water and wastewater projects, forty-four communities in Idaho 
ultimately applied, not including two that failed to meet the 
eligibility requirements. Ultimately, twenty-one communities were 
awarded grants in several categories, and ranged in size from $9,000 to 
$319,000. A Native American community, a migrant community, and several 
innovative collaborative efforts were included in the successful 
applicants. The communities that were not selected are being given 
assistance in exploring other funding sources and other advice.
  The response and feedback from all participants has been overwhelming 
positive. Environmental officials from the state and EPA who witnessed 
the process have stated that the process worked well and was able to 
accomplish much on a volunteer basis. There was even extraordinary 
appreciation from other funding agencies because some communities they 
were not able to reach were provided funds for feasibility studies. The 
only negative comments were from those who wished that the EPA had not 
limited the program to water and wastewater projects.
  The conclusion of all participants was that Project SEARCH is a 
program worthy of being expanded nationally. So many small communities 
in so many states can benefit from a program that assists underserved 
and often overlooked communities. This legislation provides us the 
opportunity to help small communities throughout the United States.
                                 ______