OCR Text |
Show Public Law 984 requires that the local interests finance, by means other than the Federal loan and grant, a part of the construction cost of the project up to but not exceeding 25% of the reimbursable cost of the project, for those projects costing no more than five million dollars. For projects that cost more than that amount, the local interests must pay all costs above five million dollars and must make the contribution that they would if the project cost five million dollars. The Law specified that the local interest must provide as a part of this contribution all costs of the lands, interests in lands, and all water rights. For rehabilitation and betterment work on existing projects, the amount of the contribution must be considered on an individual case basis to provide for the local share of the costs consistent with the requirements placed upon new projects. Expenses incurred by the organization preparatory to applying for a loan cannot be considered as a part of the contribution to the cost of construction. The applicant organization is responsible for the planning, building, operation and maintenance of the project. It must make its own arrangements for the necessary engineering consulting services and other specialized services that it may need. The Bureau of Reclamation, upon request, will advise and assist the applicants to the extent required. In the event that an applicant finds it impossible to obtain the necessary specialized services, the Bureau will provide such services whenever it can do so if the applicant pays for them. Certain types of information relative to a proposed project which the Bureau of Reclamation may have in its files are available to an organization at cost. The Small Reclamation Projects Act specifically requires that the applicant consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the appropriate Fish and Game Agencies during the planning of the irrigation project to prevent unnecessary damages to fish or wildlife values of the area. The Law also provides a nonreimbursable grant for projects benefiting fish and wildlife. If nonreimbursable grants are requested for other purposes, the applicant must also consult with the appropriate Federal Agencies with primary interests in those activities. It will also be necessary for agreement to be reached between the applicant, the other Federal Agencies, and the Bureau of Reclamation on the manner of operation of the project in order to assure the claimed benefits. -68- |