US Water Alliance Creates One Water for America Policy Framework for 2018 Rollout

The US Water Alliance has created a new “One Water for America Policy Framework.” The Framework was developed from discussions with approximately 500 people across the country during a series of 15 listening sessions. During the sessions, water industry leaders, local officials, farmers, environmental groups and others provided insights that were organized into seven big ideas for sustainable water management in the US, and will be released as a series of webinars and policy briefs starting in January. Some of the seven big ideas include:  advancing regional collaboration; accelerating agriculture-utility partnerships; sustaining infrastructure funding; and reducing lead risks.

Read the Framework Executive Summary, view the Seven Big Ideas, and find more information about this effort here.

Advertisement

USDA RFA and Webinar for Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. NRCS is making $10 million available through CIG this year to fund innovative ideas for conservation strategies and technologies. The three focus areas for grant funding include grazing lands, organic systems, and soil health. Grant proposals are due February 26, 2018.

CIG is authorized and funded under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Projects can last up to three years and the maximum award amount for any project this year is $2 million. Since 2004, NRCS has invested nearly $286.7 million in more than 700 projects focused on providing farmers and ranchers new techniques, data and decision-making tools for improving natural resources conservation on their land, that can also help improve drinking water quality. All U.S. based entities and individuals are invited to apply, except for Federal agencies. Up to 20 percent of CIG funds will be set aside for proposals from historically underserved producers, veteran farmers or ranchers or groups serving these customers.

Webinar for Potential Applicants

• Date:  Thursday, January 11, 2018
• Time:  4:00 pm (eastern).
• Log in:  At the time of the webinar, log in HERE.

To view the announcement, application materials, and submission procedures, go to:  www.grants.gov. For more information, read the news release. For questions, contact Laura Crowell of USDA at laura.crowell@ia.usda.gov or 515-323-2207.

New EPA HABs Incident Action Checklist

EPA’s Water Security Division has published its newest Incident Action Checklist on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). This checklist provides information on preparedness and response actions water utilities can take during a HAB incident. For on-the-go convenience, the actions in the checklist are divided up into three “rip and run” sections with examples of activities for surface water utilities. Utilities can also populate the “My Contacts” sections with critical information for coordinating response actions. View and download the checklist HERE. For more information and to see the other EPA Incident Action Checklists for water utilities, visit the EPA website.

SWC Webinar on Engaging Drinking Water Utilities in USDA RCPP Funding Projects

On Thursday, January 11th, 2018, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm (eastern) the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) will host a webinar as part of its Learning Exchange Webinar Series entitled, “Conservation Grant Funding & Drinking Water Utilities: Partnering for Success.” During the webinar, participants will learn about the efforts of drinking water utilities and conservation groups to partner with farming operations and landowners to protect their water supplies through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The webinar will be moderated by Adam Carpenter of AWWA and speakers will include:

• Jimmy Bramblett, Deputy Chief of Programs, USDA NRCS
• Tariq Baloch, Water Utility Plant Manager, Cedar Rapids. Iowa
• Sandi Formica, Executive Director, Watershed Conservation Resource Center

Save your spot today by registering here.