WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking applications for the Basin Studies Program in 2015. Interested non-federal entities wishing to participate in the selection process should submit a short letter of interest to their respective Reclamation regional office by Feb. 24, 2015.
Through basin studies, Reclamation works with state and local partners to conduct comprehensive water supply and demand studies of river basins in the western United States. Reclamation anticipates funding one to two studies in 2015.
Basin studies include four main elements:
* Projections of water supply and demand, including the risks of climate change.
* Analysis of how existing water and power infrastructure will perform in response to changing water realities.
* Development of adaptation and mitigation strategies to improve operations and infrastructure in order to supply adequate water in the future.
* Trade-off analysis of the strategies identified and findings.
Entities must contribute at least half of the total cost as cash or in-kind services. This is not a financial assistance program and Reclamation's share of the study costs will only be used to support work done by Reclamation or its contractors.
Reclamation’s regional office staff will review all letters of interest. Those selected for consideration will then work with Reclamation to develop a joint study proposal for evaluation and prioritization by a Reclamation review committee.
The WaterSMART Program focuses on improving water conservation, sustainability and helping water resource managers make sound decisions about water use. It identifies strategies to ensure that this and future generations will have sufficient supplies of clean water for drinking, economic activities, recreation and ecosystem health. The program also identifies adaptive measures to address climate change and its impact on future water demands.
To learn more about WaterSMART basin studies or obtain program contacts please visit www.usbr.gov/watersmart/bsp.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
