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Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Basin Groundwater Management Plan 6 Financing Options The development of new water supplies and the necessary infrastructure is a major financial undertaking. It is absolutely necessary for the Authority and its member agencies to leverage as much support for outside funding. The following section is intended to provide stakeholders with a general overview of the potential funding sources, programs, and project partnerships available to the Authority. 6.1 Funding Sources 6.1.1 Federal Funding Federal funds can be made available to the Authority and its member agencies through a variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, subsidies, appropriations, in-kind services, grants, loans and cost-sharing agreements. Securing these funds is accomplished through the following processes. Legislative Approach - Federal funding can be secured through the legislative process to directly fund an approved project. This approach is initiated by a request by the Authority to a local congressional representative. The project may require the establishment of Federal interest through an act of Congress and funded in subsequent years (e.g. Farmington Program). If, however, the project is consistent with the goals and objectives of an existing Federal program, an appropriation can be made that same year (e.g. MORE WATER Project). Competition for funds through Congress is fierce and will require the broad support of local, regional, and State interests. Federal Agency Interest - Funding can also be secured for projects directly from Federal agencies. Local projects, consistent with the goals and objectives of an agency, are eligible for funds and in-kind services through directed actions and partnerships (e.g. Joint USGS/DWR/Authority Groundwater Recharge and Distribution of High-Chloride Groundwater from Wells Study). Federal agencies commit to projects during their respective internal budgeting processes and have the flexibility to disperse funding over several years. Federal Assistance Programs - Finally, a third option is to apply for project funding under an existing grant, loan, or assistance program administered by any of the various Federal agencies. Potential partnering agencies include the USBR, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USACE, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Fish and Wildlife Service (NFWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Eligibility, cost sharing, and application requirements vary between the programs. 6.1.2 State Funding State funds are similar to Federal funds in that they can also be secured through the legislative process, state agency interest, and through competitive grants and assistance programs. The availability of State funds for water resources projects is a reflection of the current fiscal climate and can vary significantly. Voter approval of Proposition 50, the $3.4 Billion Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002, is expected to carry many of the water resources development programs of interest to the Authority for the next few fiscal years including CALFED, Integrated Storage Investigations, and other groundwater recharge construction grants and loans. Legislative Approach —Although the dollar amounts available from the State are usually not as substantial as Federal, the State process can be somewhat more streamlined than the Northeastern San Joaquin County Section 6 Groundwater Banking Authority 95 Financing Options