U.S. Bureau of Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Assistance Act of 1991, Public Law 102-250
The Program
The Bureau of Reclamation is authorized to provide funding assistance under the Reclamation States Drought Relief Act of 1991 to mitigate effects of drought in a number of areas, including environmental issues, wetlands, instream flow, and municipal water supplies. PL 102-250 basically provides two forms of drought assistance: in the construction area and in the planning area.
Eligible Project Proposals & Cost
Any project, as long as it meets the construction/temporary guidelines, is eligible for funding consideration. Projects are evaluated for funding based upon need, the ability to alleviate impacts to municipalities and fish and wildlife concerns, and to aid in the overall reduction of drought impacts in a stricken area. Reclamation's Office of Policy in Denver, Colorado, provides the final approval for project funding.
Restrictions and Examples
The law requires that only "temporary" construction projects be funded, except for well development. Reclamation cannot fund projects such as the raising of a small dam or the building of a new canal. Reclamation can purchase water from a willing seller to augment instream flow, or "construct" a temporary diversion canal which would have to be removed after the drought is over, or purchase material to line an irrigation canal to prevent water loss. Reclamation can drill new wells but cannot fund a water distribution system. Last year, water purchases were approved for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge and Benton Lakes Wildlife Area.
Application Process
Please submit a short description of the proposed project, a cost associated with the project, any cost-sharing, and a project justification, including benefits provided and/or impacts mitigated. This proposal should be limited to one page in length.
Application Checklist (pdf)
Program Contacts and Inquiries
Requests and questions can be directed to Jess Aber at Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at (406) 444-6628.
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