OWEB---Public Comment on Rules for Watershed Council Grants by March 31, 2014

OWEB seeks public comment on proposed rules for Outcome-Based Watershed Council Capacity Grants until March 31, 2014.

OWEB’s administrative rules for watershed council support grants were adopted in 2004.  Since that time OWEB has held multiple listening sessions with stakeholders and worked with several stakeholder based work groups to identify policy issues and process inefficiencies with OWEB’s council support grant program. The proposed rules establish process improvements and address long standing policy issues.

In October 2013, in preparation for the proposed changes, OWEB mailed to all council coordinators and council chairs an eligibility checklist for councils to use in reviewing the council's bylaws, policies and procedures and other relevant documents.  Council are encouraged to read the Council Capacity grant guidance and use the eligibility checklist to assess the council’s readiness for the new eligibility criteria.

Changes under the proposed rules include:

• Changing the name from Watershed Council Support Grants to Outcome-Based Watershed Council Operating Capacity Grants;
  
  
• Changing eligibility requirements for who is eligible to apply for the grants;
  
  
• Outlining the Board process for merit evaluation and the process for distribution of funds; and
  
  
• Other minor changes.
  
  

COMMENT PERIOD:  The public comment period for the proposed rules begins on February 24, 2014, and will close at 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2014.  To comment on the proposed rules, please email Renee Davis-Born, with the phrase “Comments on Council Capacity Rulemaking” in the subject line, or send written comments to Renee Davis-Born at OWEB, 775 Summer Street NE, Suite 360, Salem, Oregon 97301-1290.  If you have questions concerning the rules or this process contact Courtney Shaff at 503-986-0046 or [email protected].  PUBLIC HEARING:  OWEB will hold six public hearings to receive comments regarding the proposed rules. Both oral and written comments will be accepted at the hearings.  RULES, GUIDANCE, AND OTHER INFORMATION

• Guide to Outcome-Based Watershed Council Capacity Grants.pdf
• Draft Watershed Council Capacity Grant Rules.pdf
• Draft Council Capacity Grant Guidance.pdf
• Council Capacity Grant FAQs.pdf
• Council Capacity Grant Public Hearing Agenda.pdf

NEXT STEPS March 31, 2014 Public Comment Period Ends April 1 - May 16, 2014 Respond to Public Comment: Rules and Guidance edits as needed April 29-30, 2014 OWEB Board Meeting – Update (information item only) May 2014 Rules Advisory Committee Meeting: Review any Rules and Guidance edits July 29-30, 2014 OWEB Board Meeting: Adoption of Council Capacity grant rules

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OWEB---Proposed Direction for OWEB's Long-Term Investment Strategy for Conservation‏
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OWEB Listening Session Information & Agenda

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