[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 43 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10226-10230]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4825]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7630-7]


Request for Wetlands Project Proposals

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Solicitation of proposals.

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SUMMARY: EPA Region 6 is soliciting proposals from State agencies, 
local governments, and Tribes interested in applying for Federal 
assistance for the State/Tribal/Local Government Wetlands Protection 
Development Grant Program under the Clean Water Act section 104(b)(3), 
33 U.S.C.1254(b)(3) in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, 
Oklahoma, and Texas. This solicitation notice distributes EPA Region 6 
requirements. For the FY 04 National Wetlands Guidance please see the 
Federal Register 69 FR 6284, February 10, 2004 or the national Web site 
at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines.

DATES: Proposals must be postmarked by May 3, 2004, for acceptance. No 
exceptions will be made. Once the proposal is approved for further 
funding consideration, applicants will be notified to submit a formal 
application.

ADDRESSES: Send proposals with a cover sheet (included in this 
guidance) to: Tyrone Hoskins, State/tribal Programs Section (6WQ-AT), 
EPA Region 6; 1445 Ross Avenue Suite 1200; Dallas, TX 75202-2733. This 
solicitation notice may also be found at the Assistance Program 
Branch--State/tribal Programs Section Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/wetlands/index.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyrone Hoskins, State/tribal Programs 
Section EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue Suite 1200; Dallas, TX 75202-
2733, telephone: (214) 665-7375, fax: (214) 665-6490, e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Agency Name: Region 6 Environmental 
Protection Agency Water Division.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Wetland Program Development Grants.
    Announcement Type: Notice.
    Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number: 66.461.

Overview

    The goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) wetland 
program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands in the 
U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland 
health. In pursuing these goals, EPA seeks to build the capacity of all 
levels of government to develop and implement effective, comprehensive 
programs for wetland protection and management. The six program areas 
central to achieving these goals are: regulation, monitoring and 
assessment, restoration, wetland water quality and watershed 
management, public-private partnerships, and coordination among 
agencies with wetland or wetland-related programs.
    The Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs), initiated in FY90, 
provide States, Tribes, local governments (S/T/LGs), interstate 
associations, intertribal consortia, and national non-profit, non-
governmental organizations (hereafter referred to as applicants or 
recipients) an opportunity to carry out projects to develop and refine 
comprehensive wetland programs. WPDGs provide eligible applicants an 
opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and 
acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, 
demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, 
extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
    While WPDGs can continue to be used by recipients to build and 
refine any element of a comprehensive wetland program, emphasis through 
the competition process will be given to funding projects that address 
these six areas as identified by EPA: (1) Wetland and stream 
restoration; (2) protecting at risk waters; (3) watershed planning; (4) 
hydrogeomorphic assessment; (5) wetlands monitoring strategy; and (6) 
community environmental stewardship. States, Tribes, local governments 
(S/T/LGs), interstate associations, intertribal consortia are eligible 
to apply. Local/regional chapters/affiliations of a nonprofit 
organization are not eligible for WPDGs.
    Interest in the grant program has continued to grow over the years 
and Congress has appropriated $15 million annually to support the 
wetland grant program. Since the Wetland Grant Development Program 
started in FY90, grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis to 
support development of State and Tribal wetland programs.
    The statutory authority for WPDGs is section 104(b)(3) of the Clean 
Water Act (CWA). Section 104(b)(3) of the CWA restricts the use of 
these grants to developing and refining wetland management programs by 
conducting or promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, 
investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and 
studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, 
and elimination of water pollution. These competed grants may not be 
used for the operational support of wetland programs unless it is 
included in a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG). States and Tribes 
may not use WPDG funds for implementation of a wetlands program. 
However, funds available for WPDG grants may be combined in a PPG which 
may, in certain circumstances, provide the authorization to undertake 
implementation activities. For further information, see the final rules 
on Environmental Program Grants for State, Interstate, and local 
government agencies at 40 CFR part 35, subpart A and Tribes at 40 CFR 
part 35, subpart B. All projects funded through this program must 
contribute to the overall development and improvement of S/T/LG wetland 
programs. Grant applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project 
integrates with S/T/LG wetland programs.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The EPA Wetlands Program will award Wetland Program Development 
Grants to assist States, tribes, and local governments with developing 
new wetland programs or refining existing wetland programs, and NOT for 
operational support of wetland programs. Reviewers will pay special 
attention to the project's longevity and self-sustaining ability. 
Additional consideration may be given to implementation projects that 
actually demonstrate protection, restoration or enhancement of 
wetlands. If a proposal does not meet EPA priorities, the proposal will 
not be ranked. An applicant should choose the priority which is 
suitable for their proposed project. EPA will use the selected priority 
for the evaluation of the proposed project with criteria specific to 
that priority. Each of the following priorities must also include an 
outreach component:
    1. Wetland and stream restoration: EPA is interested in partnering 
with state, tribal, and local governments in the area of wetland and 
stream restoration. Projects should focus on

[[Page 10227]]

demonstration of new methods, innovative procedures and new 
partnerships that lead to advances in restoration technology of 
wetlands and streams. Support for training of personnel is possible 
with the demonstration project resulting as a part of the training. 
Grant funds cannot be used to purchase property. Project areas should 
not be within a mitigation bank.
    2. At Risk Waters: Since the Supreme Court ruling on ``isolated'' 
waters in the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) vs. 
Corps of Engineers case there has been a growing regulatory uncertainty 
as to the extent of protection of isolated waters and what role the 
State and Tribes play in protection of such resources. EPA is 
specifically interested in assisting states and tribes in developing 
programs that address protection of waters no longer under federal 
jurisdiction.
    3. Watershed Planning: EPA is interested in assisting states, 
tribes, and local governments in watershed approaches that work to 
integrate wetlands into a Watershed (Ecosystem) Approach to protect 
resources, prevent pollution, achieve sustainable environmental goals, 
and meet other objectives important to the community. Although 
watershed approaches may vary in terms of specific objectives, 
priorities, elements, timing and resources, they should be based on 
partnerships, geographic focus, sound management techniques, science 
and data. Applicants must identify any funding that has been used to 
address watershed planning and include an implementation phase of plan.
    4. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Assessment: For States and Tribes 
incorporating wetlands into their water by the Clean Water Act, EPA 
guidance recommends the development of functional assessment or other 
biological methodology models to classify wetlands. The Hydrogeomorphic 
(HGM) Approach could be easily used to identify the types of wetlands 
common to any State and in the designation of beneficial uses for 
wetlands.

    HGM model development continues to be a high priority with EPA. 
As such, Region 6 will continue target the development of HGM models 
for regulatory and planning purposes. Region 6 is also interested in 
a state and/or tribe hosting training on the HGM guide book 
development in FY04.

    5. Wetlands Monitoring Strategy: EPA has requested that each State 
and Tribe develop a comprehensive monitoring program strategy that 
addresses all waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, the Great 
Lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands, and groundwater 
(see http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/elements/ for more 
information). One of the goals of this strategy is to move toward 
meeting the reporting requirements of CWA Sec.  305(b), that is, to 
provide ``an analysis of the extent to which all navigable 
waters'provide for the protection and propagation of a balanced 
population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife * * *'' EPA encourages to 
work across programmatic and agency lines to incorporate various 
monitoring plans and approaches into this comprehensive strategy. 
Included in this effort should be the integration of wetland monitoring 
plans into the water quality monitoring strategy.
    6. Community Environmental Stewardship (Urban Sprawl): EPA has 
identified the need for a focus on stream and wetland protection in 
rapidly developing urban areas. Measures such as training, educational 
programs, public-planning efforts, demonstration of bioengineering as 
an alternative to traditional methods and resource preservation of 
streams and wetlands are targeted for funding and technical assistance.

II. Award Information

    [sbull] Region 6 estimates $1.3 million funding level for FY 2004.
    [sbull] The amount and number of awards will vary according to the 
number of proposals selected.
    [sbull] Wetland funds will be awarded in the form of Cooperative 
Agreements. Cooperative Agreements require substantial EPA involvement. 
Quarterly reports will be required as well as annual performance 
evaluations.
    [sbull] The available funds cannot be used for renewal or 
supplementation of existing projects.
    [sbull] The average award for FY 2003 was $129,000.
    [sbull] State, Tribe, or local government must provide a 25 percent 
(25%) match of the total costs of the project.
    [sbull] 15 percent (15%) of funding allocation will be targeted to 
support local and tribal initiatives.
    [sbull] Anticipated start dates for FY 2004 projects will be 
September 01, 2004.
    [sbull] Project performance periods will be between 12 months and 
48 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    Failure to submit the requested information by the corresponding 
dates will result in the elimination of the project from consideration 
for funding. Applicants with poor past performance records on wetlands 
projects will not be considered for these funds. Funds are available 
specifically to assist State, tribal, and local government agencies in 
wetland protection efforts. Projects must clearly demonstrate a direct 
link to increase in the State's, tribe's, or local government's ability 
to protect, restore, and/or manage its wetland resources. EPA will 
provide 75% of the total cost of the selected projects. The recipient 
will be responsible for the remaining 25% (match). Federal funds cannot 
be used as matching funds (except Bureau of Indian Affairs 638 funds).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    This announcement contains all of the information needed to apply 
for the available funds. The FY 2004 EPA Wetlands Solicitation Notice 
can also be viewed at the following Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm. Applications are not requested at this 
time. If a proposal is identified as having particular merit, then EPA 
will request a formal, completed grant application and a detailed 
workplan.

Important Dates to Note

    May 3, 2004--Proposals must be POSTMARKED by this date, or they 
will not be accepted. Certified mail is recommended, and keep 
documentation.
    June 2, 2004--Letters are sent requesting formal applications from 
selected proposals.
    July 2, 2004--Formal applications must be POSTMARKED by this date, 
or they will not be accepted. Certified mail is recommended, and keep 
documentation.
    July 19, 2004--Awarding of grants and Congressional notification to 
grantees *(See note below)

     Note: The Headquarters Office of Congressional and Legislative 
Affairs notifies the congressional delegation when a grant is 
awarded in a Region 6 State/Congressional district. Each grant is 
held for five (5) working days after signature to allow the 
congressional delegation time to make an announcement, if so 
desired. Headquarters has asked that requests for waivers of the 
five-day notification period no longer be made. Therefore, this 
five-day congressional hold is built into the grant cycle process.

Guidelines for Proposals

    A proposal is different from a work plan. Pre-proposal assistance 
is available through April 19, 2004. Please contact Ms. Wanda Boyd at 
214-665-6696 or Richard Prather at 214-665-8333 to arrange for pre-
proposal assistance. If you are unsure of any section or criteria, 
please call Region 6 BEFORE you submit your package. Keep in mind this 
is a competitive process, and adherence to the proposal guidelines is 
part of the selection

[[Page 10228]]

criteria. The proposal should contain the following information, with a 
maximum of five (5) one sided pages:
    1. All Proposals must utilize the standard Wetlands Proposal Cover 
Sheet which can be found at the following Web site: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm.
    2. Title;
    3. Identify which priority your proposal addresses.
    4. Introduction with brief background, goals, and objectives;
    5. Overview of project, listing each task and deliverable. Give 
specific information concerning the task, explaining how it will be 
accomplished, how it relates to the overall project, and how the 
progress will be monitored;
    6. A location map and a project site map/drawing (these will not 
count against the five page limit);
    7. Any use of contractors must be included and explained. Guidance 
precludes greater than a 50% pass through to contractors, and specifies 
significant involvement of grant recipient.
    8. Proposed costs, broken down by task, including contractor's 
costs by task;
    9. Identify measures of success, including clear milestones with 
expected dates. Include the number of wetland acres affected by 
project;
    10. Include a public participation element (40 CFR part 25) in the 
proposal which reflects how public participation will be provided, 
encouraged, and assisted. Include a full description of its interagency 
and public participation process. This process should go beyond the 
input stage and include information and methods of sharing throughout 
the project period;
    11. There should be concrete demonstration of coordination/
partnership among various agencies. This can be accomplished in various 
ways, including a written agreement with agencies outlining 
responsibilities and commitment to the project; and,
    12. Region 6 requires a 25% match of the total project cost. The 
proposal needs to show the Federal assistance amount you are requesting 
from EPA, 25% minimum agency match, and the total amount for the 
project. Use the following formula: Requested EPA amount divided by 75% 
equals the total amount for the project. Subtract the EPA amount from 
the total, and that is the minimum, required match. Your match may 
exceed 25%. (Example: EPA amount $50,000; project total is $66,667; 
required 25% match is $16,667).
    13. Explain if your agency has a Quality Management Plan (QMP) 
approved by EPA. If your project contains environmental measurements, a 
QMP must be approved before any money can be awarded.
    14. Identify if there are any known threatened or endangered 
species and/or cultural resource concerns.

V. Proposal Review Information

    An applicant should choose the priority which is suitable for their 
proposed project. EPA will use the selected priority for the evaluation 
of the proposed project with criteria specific to that priority. Each 
priority has criteria with associated points, with an opportunity for 
comments. The points of each reviewer for each proposal are totaled, 
comments are added, then each proposal is given an average. The 
Committee meets to discuss each proposal and review the results of 
scoring. The proposals with the highest ranking, up to the estimated 
amount of funding, are selected. The selection of a proposal does not 
necessarily mean that the requested amount will be offered. The 
Wetlands Team will review the workplan and budget may subsequently 
request that the amount of work and/or the budget be revised. Upon 
approval of management, formal applications are then requested from the 
selected applicants.
    Each of the priorities will also include an outreach component that 
will have criteria for the outreach component as part of the 
evaluation. These outreach criteria of the six priorities are listed 
below.

Outreach Requirements To Be Included Within Each Priority (15 points)

    Successful outreach programs should include, but not be limited to: 
development of innovative, hands-on, interactive tools and exercises; 
workshops; new publications; public awareness videos on topics such as 
wetlands and riparian areas which are not generally well understood; 
watershed-based and community-based education for all ages. Low 
priority will be given to projects which are predominantly reprinting 
of publications, and projects which are redundant of past activities 
and do not further public understanding of wetlands, watersheds, 
streams, and riparian areas.
    EPA is interested in continued success with environmental outreach 
and environmental education (EE) programs which raise awareness of 
human impacts on the environment, and corrective measures which address 
those impacts. Project proposals consistent with the above six 
technical and regulatory priorities are expected to have well developed 
outreach components, five criteria, 3 points each, 15% of total score:
    1. This project actively engages a wide range of partners 
(individuals, business, non-governmental organizations, government) in 
the affected community/target audience which represent diverse 
interests.
    2. The outreach plan/activities provide efficient delivery of the 
project goals/mission/outcomes to the affected area/community.
    3. The tools/materials/media developed or used in this project 
effectively convey information/education to a well targeted audience, 
and are easily adapted/reproduced for use in related projects/programs.
    4. This project has measures of outreach/EE success that are 
realistic, and will clearly demonstrate attainment of goals presented 
in the project proposal.
    5. Activities/tools/materials/ used for outreach in this project 
are developed/obtained in a cost-effective manner.

Priority

    1. Wetland and stream restoration: EPA is interested in partnering 
with state, tribal, and local governments in the area of wetland and 
stream restoration. Projects should focus on demonstration of new 
methods, innovative procedures and new partnerships that lead to 
advances in restoration technology of wetlands and streams are sought. 
A monitoring component must be incorporated into the workplan. Support 
for training of personnel is possible with the demonstration project 
resulting as a part of the training. Grant funds cannot be used to 
purchase property. Project areas should not be within a preapproved 
mitigation bank.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    1. Does the proposal demonstrate significant environmental results 
and is self-sustaining, naturally functioning wetland or riparian area?
    2. What type of restoration is proposed? What will be the on ground 
activities that will result in a change to the landscape?
    3. What is the size of the area being proposed?
    4. Will the project result in the protection or preservation of 
wetland habitat for a threatened or endangered species?
    5. Will the project demonstrate new innovative ways to restore 
wetlands or streams?
    6. Will the project include a training component?

[[Page 10229]]

    7. Stream restoration projects require a minimum of three years of 
post-restoration monitoring.

Priority

    2. At Risk Waters: Since the Supreme Court ruling on ``isolated'' 
waters in the SWANCC case there has been a growing regulatory 
uncertainty as to the extent of protection of isolated waters and what 
role the State and Tribes play in protection of such resources. EPA is 
specifically interested in assisting states and tribes in developing 
programs that address protection of waters no longer under federal 
jurisdiction.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    1. Will the proposal assist states, tribes and local governments in 
protecting, restoring and or enhancing ``waters at risk'?
    2. Does the proposal address impact assessment--direct and indirect 
effects to wetlands?
    3. Is there a focus on particularly vulnerable areas and/or 
resources within the state? How are these areas determined?
    4. Where does the authority to protect vulnerable areas come from--
statute, regulation, policy? Will the protective measures come from 
voluntary participation?
    5. Is the project achievable and does it have sustainable long term 
benefits?

Priority

    3. Watershed Planning: EPA is interested in assisting states, 
tribes, and local governments in watershed approaches that work to 
integrate wetlands into a Watershed (Ecosystem) Approach to protect 
resources, prevent pollution, achieve sustainable environmental goals, 
and meet other objectives important to the community. Although 
watershed approaches may vary in terms of specific objectives, 
priorities, elements, timing and resources, they should be based on 
partnerships, geographic focus, sound management techniques, science 
and data. Applicants must identify any funding that has been used to 
address watershed planning and include an implementation phase of plan.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    To be eligible for funding the plan must contain a specific wetland 
and implementation component which will yield identifiable 
environmental improvements, i.e. acres of wetlands restored or 
preserved.
    1. Will the project have achievable and have sustainable long term 
benefits?
    2. Does the project implement wetlands improvements as a part of a 
broader, more comprehensive watershed plan?
    3. Is the proposed project being developed and implemented by 
multiple partners in a new or existing group or alliance whose goal it 
is to address the various problems affecting water quality in a 
specific watershed?
    4. Has the specific wetland(s) to be addressed been identified?
    5. Has the implementation component been clearly described?
    6. In light of the implementation component that has been 
described, has a realistic environmental improvement endpoint been 
identified?
    7. Has the method(s) for identifying environmental improvement 
endpoints been clearly identified?

Priority

    4. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Assessment: For States incorporating 
wetlands into their water quality standards as required by the Clean 
Water Act, EPA guidance recommends the development of functional 
assessment or other biological methodology models to classify wetlands. 
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach could be easily used to identify the 
types of wetlands common to any State and in the designation of 
beneficial uses for wetlands.
    HGM model development continues to be a high priority with the EPA 
HQ. As such, EPA will continue to target the development of HGM models 
for regulatory and planning purposes. EPA is also interested in a state 
and/or tribe hosting training on the HGM guide book development in 
FY04.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    1. Will the project result in, or contribute to, the development of 
a statewide wetland monitoring plan or strategy for incorporation into 
a State's or Tribe's comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy?
    2. Does the project include a process and/or procedures for 
developing an assessment method? Are there reference wetlands or areas 
being used in the process?
    3. Is the assessment tool transferrable to other wetland types?
    4. Will the classification of functional wetland processes/systems 
utilized in the HGM model development assist the State/Tribe in 
designating functional wetland classifications/uses in wetland water 
quality standards, wetland monitoring strategies, in the regulatory 
program, or long-term restoration projects?
    5. Does the project include training of staff, which would result 
in enhanced environmental protection of wetlands?

Priority

    5. Community Environmental Stewardship (Urban Sprawl): EPA has 
identified the need for a focus on stream and wetland protection in 
rapidly developing urban areas. Measures such as training, educational 
programs, public-planning efforts, demonstration of bioengineering as 
alternative to traditional methods and resource preservation of streams 
and wetlands are targeted for funding and technical assistance.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    All planning and training efforts must include implementation 
measures (demonstration project) to be eligible for funding.
    1. Will the project implement a part of the State or Tribal 
Wetlands conservation plan?
    2. Does project have a plan to measure long term success 
(monitoring plan)?
    3. Is the project using alternative techniques to assess, restore, 
monitor stream and/or wetlands?
    4. Has the specific stream and/or wetland(s) to be addressed been 
identified?
    5. Has the implementation component been clearly described?
    6. In light of the implementation component that has been 
described, has a realistic environmental improvement endpoint been 
identified? Is it adjustable for future growth?
    7. Has the method(s) for identifying environmental improvement 
endpoints been clearly identified?

Priority

    6. Wetlands Monitoring Strategy: EPA has requested that each State 
and Tribe develop a comprehensive monitoring program strategy that 
addresses all State waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, the Great 
Lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal areas, wetlands, and groundwater. 
One of The goals of this strategy is to move States and Tribes toward 
meeting the reporting requirements of CWA Sec.  305(b), that is, to 
provide ``an analysis of the extent to which all navigable waters * * * 
provide for the protection and propagation of a balanced population of 
shellfish, fish, and wildlife * * *'' EPA encourages States and Tribes 
to work across programmatic and agency lines to incorporate various 
monitoring plans and approaches into this comprehensive strategy.
    Criteria: (85 points).
    1. Will the project result in, or contribute to, the development of 
a statewide wetland monitoring plan or strategy for incorporation into 
a State's or Tribe's comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy?
    2. Does the proposal provide a commitment to develop a wetlands

[[Page 10230]]

monitoring plan or strategy that will incorporate all wetland types?
    3. Is there evidence that partnerships with other agencies or 
organizations charged with conducting water quality monitoring have 
been made, or will be made, to adequately assure that the strategy will 
be integrated with the State's or tribe's comprehensive strategy?
    4. There are 10 elements which should be included in a statewide 
monitoring program (see http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/elements/). 
A monitoring strategy would be the first element and the following nine 
(9) elements are incorporated into the strategy. These strategies 
should be State or tribe specific, be designed from the monitoring 
capabilities each State or tribe already has, and incorporate a time 
frame, not to exceed 10 years, for completion of implementation of the 
strategy.
10 Elements of a Monitoring Program
1. Monitoring Program Strategy
2. Monitoring Objectives
3. Monitoring Design
4. Core and Supplemental Water Quality Indicators (e.g. biological 
community condition, wetland hydrogeomorphic settings and functions)
5. Quality Assurance
6. Data Management
7. Data Analysis/Assessment
8. Reporting
9. Programmatic Evaluation
10. General Support and Infrastructure Planning

    5. Does the project proposal make a commitment to describe how the 
State or Tribe plans to address each of the remaining nine (9) 
elements, as appropriate, in its wetland monitoring strategy?

EPA Will Not Provide Funds for the Following

    [sbull] Boardwalks, interpretive buildings or other like 
structures, walking paths, park amenities such as restrooms, parking 
lots, boat ramps.
    [sbull] Any project that may negatively impact any threatened or 
endangered species.

VI. Award Administration Information for Competitive Process

A. Award Notices

    All applicants will be notified by the Region 6 EPA Office on 
whether or not the applicant has been selected for funding. The 
notification is not an authorization to begin performance. A notice 
signed by the Management Division is the authorizing document to the 
applicant to begin performance.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The general award and administration process for all WPDGs is 
governed by regulations at 40 CFR part 30 (``Grants and Agreements with 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit 
Organizations''), 40 CFR part 31 (``Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and local governments'') 
and 40 CFR part 35, subpart A (``Environmental Program Grants for 
State, interstate, and local government agencies'') and subpart B 
(``Environmental Program Grants for Tribes'').

C. Reporting

    WPDGs are currently covered under the following EPA grant 
regulations: 40 CFR part 30 (non-profit organizations); 40 CFR part 31 
(States, Tribes, interstate agencies, intertribal consortia and local 
governments) and 40 CFR part 35, subpart A (States, interstate agencies 
and local governments) and subpart B (Tribes and intertribal 
consortia). These regulations specify basic grant reporting 
requirements, including performance and financial reports (see 40 CFR 
30.51, 30.52, 31.40, 31.41, 35.115, and 35.515.) Region 6 EPA will work 
closely with recipients to incorporate appropriate performance measures 
into each grant agreement consistent with 40 CFR 30.51, 31.40, 35.115, 
and 35.515. Quarterly reports will be required for all awarded 
projects.

VII. Agency Contact

    Tyrone Hoskins, State/Tribal Programs Section (6WQ-AT), EPA Region 
6; 1445 Ross Avenue; Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: 214-665-7187; E-mail: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

A. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

    QA/QC and peer review are sometimes applicable to these grants (see 
40 CFR 30.54 and 40 CFR 31.45.) QA/QC requirements apply to the 
collection of environmental data. Environmental data are any 
measurements or information that describe environmental processes, 
location, or conditions; ecological or health effects and consequences; 
or the performance of environmental technology. Environmental data 
include information collected directly from measurements, produced from 
models, and compiled from other sources such as databases or 
literature. Applicants should allow sufficient time and resources for 
this process. EPA can assist applicants determine whether QA/QC is 
required for the proposed project. If QA/QC is required for the 
project, the applicant is encouraged to work with the appropriate EPA 
quality staff to determine the appropriate QA/QC practices for the 
project. If the applicant has an EPA-approved quality assurance project 
plan and it covers the project in the application, then they need only 
reference the plan in their application. Contact the appropriate 
Headquarters or Regional Office Wetland Grant Coordinator (See Section 
VII for Agency Contact information) for referral to an EPA quality 
staff.

B. Public Participation

    EPA regulations require public participation in various Clean Water 
Act programs including grants (40 CFR part 25). Each applicant for EPA 
financial assistance shall include tasks for public participation in 
their project's work plan submitted in the grant application (40 CFR 
25.11.) The project work plan should reflect how public participation 
will be provided for, assisted, and accomplished.

C. Annual Wetlands Meeting/Training

    EPA encourages S/T/LGs to include travel plans for wetland 
personnel to attend at least one national wetland meeting in support of 
the project or for training each year (e.g., National EPA, State, 
tribal, local wetland meeting or wetland monitoring workshops.) 
Applicants should account for travel plans and costs in the work plans 
and the project budget. EPA's Wetlands Program does not anticipate 
providing travel for State, tribal or local government staff to attend 
meetings other than through this grant program.

    Dated: February 25, 2004.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 04-4825 Filed 3-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P