CHAPTER IV

FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
DRAFT (07/08)

This chapter provides a brief discussion of the funding sources that can potentially be used to assist in implementing the recommendations contained in the 2008 MRBC Master Plan update.  It is important to note that the implementation of these recommendations would be undertaken over several years as interest and urgency is generated and funding is obtained.  For each recommendation developed as a part of this MRBC Master Plan Update, several potential funding partners are identified below.  As many of these programs are experiencing a reduction in available funds, selection and awarding of these funds has become increasingly competitive in nature.  Therefore, when applying for funds it is important to show a diverse group of partners and funding sources with the ability to utilize one funding source to either leverage additional funds or to complement those funds for the same project. 

It is also greatly beneficial to show as part of grant applications several enhancements with one action or objective.  For example, the completion of floodplain and/or watershed studies will result in several benefits related to overall water quantity and water quality not only for the Maumee River but also for the overall quality of the basin and eventually Lake Erie.  Floodplain studies allow a better understanding of those areas with the greatest risk of flooding, provide greater knowledge of those risks to landowners, and provide more accurate information which can be utilized to prevent future losses within those areas.  These studies can also be beneficial in Watershed Management Plans as sensitive areas will be highlighted and prioritized for actions such as land use conversion to prevent degradation of receiving streams and waterways.  Both of these studies will also show benefit from having important information such as the areas lacking adequately buffered riparian corridors.  These areas not only serve as a potential flood storage area, but also as a filter for pollutants contained in overland runoff.

Recommendations for projects discussed throughout the previous chapters of this Master Plan update, as well as potential federal, state, and local funding sources are listed below.  These potential funding sources are simply examples of the range of sources and partnerships dealing with individual projects.  These listings are not exhaustive as funding availability and priorities may change on a regular basis.

FLOODPLAIN / WATERSHED STUDIES

• Complete approximate floodplain and/or watershed studies for those areas within the MRBC that have not yet been studied.
• Complete an inventory of riparian corridors within the Maumee River, the St Joseph River, and the St Marys River systems.

1. Federal Funding:
   • FEMA Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) - a main objective and benefit of the CTP Program is leveraging available funding and local data to get more updated flood hazard maps out of limited resources.  National mapping needs and partnering opportunities determine FEMA funding priorities. Federal funding is managed by the FEMA Regional Offices and provided through a cooperative agreement.
     
     
2. State Funding:
   • Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Section 319 Program - the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40% (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided.
     
   • Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Program - the LARE program focuses on problem prevention. Its purpose is to ensure the continued viability of Indiana’s publicly accessible lakes, streams, and reservoirs. Program goals include (a) controlling inflows of eroded soil and associated nutrients to lakes, streams, and reservoirs and (b) where appropriate, forestalling or reversing degradation from these inflows through remedial actions.  To accomplish these goals, the LARE Section of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife provides technical and financial assistance to qualified projects. These include: (a) studies, management plans, sediment removal and design and construction activities involving specific lakes or streams; (b) land treatment practices or management plans for designated watersheds and (c) management plans; and control of exotic plants and animals in targeted lakes.
     
   • Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Clean Water Indiana (CWI) Program – established in 1999 to conserve and enhance our land, lakes, and rivers by reducing the amount of polluted stormwater runoff that reaches Indiana’s water resources. This will be accomplished by strengthening local Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). Ability to provide technical, coordination, and financial assistance to urban and rural landowners.  The CWI fund is divided into two components: (1) State Match for Local Conservation Initiatives and (2) Urban and Rural Conservation on the Land.
     
   • IDNR Division of Forestry Forestland Enhancement Program (FLEP) – provides incentive funds for the enhancement and/or establishment of conservation practices such as tree planting, follow-up weed control, and timber stand improvement. Maximum refund rates range up to 50% of your cost as approved by a district forester. All programs require that you follow a plan approved by a district forester and that you participate for at least 10 years.
     
   • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - the CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is important tools for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation.  This program is currently considering funding flood-related projects such as stream studies, floodplain management, ordinance development, etc to reduce the impacts associated with flood events in their prioritized areas.  These funds may be administered through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

3. Local Funding:

• MRBC – local cost-share match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language.
  
• County Commissioners / Municipal Councils – local cost-share match (in-kind and/or cash) required by State and Federal grants
  
• Developers – provide funding necessary to complete studies of downstream areas to ensure that new development will not adversely impact the stream or floodplain.
  
• Local Watershed Groups – local in-kind and/or cash match required by State and Federal grants
  
• SWCDs – local in-kind and/or cash match required by State and Federal grants
  
• Indiana Resource, Conservation, & Development Districts (RC&D) – provides local in-kind and/or cash match required by State and Federal grants with the purpose to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and the enhance the environmental and standard of living in the districts.

GIS / DATABASE MANAGEMENT

• Create a GIS layer and/or a database to track information specific to stream reaches and effected areas within the Basin.

1. Federal Funding:
   
   
   • FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (competitive) (PDM-c) Grant Program – pre-disaster (PDM(c) funds are pre-disaster driven and available annually if funded by Congress. This program is nationally competitive, but provides communities with an opportunity to advance local mitigation projects. PDM(c) funds are limited to $3 Million per project award; enough to complete many local mitigation projects.).  Funding to produce a GIS layer or database may be provided as a key portion of a larger objective. 

2. State Funding:
   
   
   • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - the CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is important tools for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation.  This program is currently considering funding flood-related projects such as stream studies, floodplain management, ordinance development, etc to reduce the impacts associated with flood events in their prioritized areas.  These funds may be administered through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
     
   • IDEM 319 Program – the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40% (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided.

3. Local Funding:
   
   
   • MRBC – local match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language.
     
   • County Commissioners / Municipal Councils – local cost-share match (in-kind and/or cash) required by State and Federal grants
     
   • University of Toledo Department of GIS & Applied Geography - local in-kind match required by State and Federal grants.  The Center seeks to solve complex problems related to regional and community issues, environmental protection, land use planning, economic development, site characterization, resource mapping and GIS/GPS support.
     
   • ESRI Grants - sponsors programs that help organizations serve society and better the environment using geographic information system (GIS) technology. ESRI-sponsored grants offer free software, hardware, and/or training for programs.

STREAM GAUGES

• Establishment of additional gauges in the Maumee River Basin.

1. Federal Funding:
   
   
   • United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP) - the mission of NSIP is to provide the streamflow information and understanding required to meet local, State, regional, and national needs. The information obtained from these stream gages needs to be consistent, obtained using standard techniques and technology, and be subject to the same quality assurance and quality control.
     
   • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Nation Weather Service (NWS) – NOAA’s National Weather Service has awarded integrated Automated Flood Warning System grants to reduce the loss of life, property damage and disruption of commerce from floods. Automated Flood Warning Systems are in use in numerous American communities to alert officials about flood threats, and for environmental monitoring, water resource management, fire risk assessment as well as homeland security.  Each year NOAA awards AFWS grants through a nationally competitive process.
     

2. State Funding:
   
   
   • USGS Indiana – can provide limited matching funds for operation and maintenance of stream gauges as well as provide gauge equipment as available.
     
   • IDEM 319 – the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) provides funding for various types of projects that work to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Funds may be used to conduct assessments, develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology and provide education and outreach. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, State or Federal government agencies. A 40% (non-federal) in-kind or cash match of the total project cost must be provided.  (can be utilized if water quality sampling is included in the real-time or interval sampling regime.)

3. Local Funding:
   
   
   • MRBC – local match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language.
     
   • Allen County/City of Fort Wayne Emergency Management Agency – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.
     
   • City of Fort Wayne – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.
     
   • Allen County Partnership for Water Quality – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.

ACQUISITION

• Continue voluntary acquisition of structures identified in High, Medium, and Low priority classes. 

1. Federal Funding:
   
   
   • FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - post-disaster HMGP funds are disaster driven and only become available when a community receives a Presidential Disaster Declaration. HMGP funds provide an opportunity to accelerate mitigation efforts to reduce future flood damages.
     
   • FEMA Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) Grant Program – pre-disaster (RFC funds are pre-disaster driven and available annually. Eligibility criteria limit the use of this program to those structures that have flood insurance coverage and the NFIP has determined to be Repetitive Loss Structures. The RFC Program is nationally competitive.)
     
   • FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program – pre-disaster (FMA funds are pre-disaster driven and available annually. Eligibility criteria limit the use of this program to those structures that have an active Flood Insurance Policy. Each state receives an annual allocation from the NFIP.)
     
   • FEMA PDM-c Grant Program – pre-disaster (PDM(c) funds are pre-disaster driven and available annually if funded by Congress. This program is nationally competitive, but provides communities with an opportunity to advance local mitigation projects. PDM(c) funds are limited to $3 Million per project award; enough to complete many local mitigation projects.)
     
   • Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – provides matching grants to State and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.  Funds have been widely used for land acquisition, open space/green space development, and similar projects that can reduce the impacts of flooding.
     

2. State Funding:
   
   
• Indiana RC&D - provides local in-kind and/or cash match required by State and Federal grants with the purpose to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and the enhance the environmental and standard of living in the districts.
  
• IDNR – Heritage Trust – The purpose of the Indiana Heritage Trust Program (IHT) is to acquire state interests in real property that are examples of outstanding natural resources and habitats or provide areas for conservation, recreation, protection or restoration of native biological diversity within the state of Indiana. IHT could serve as a cash or in-kind match for areas slated for acquisition that also provide a benefit to the goals of the IHT.
  
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - the CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. The CDBG program has made a difference in the lives of millions of people and their communities across the Nation.  This program is currently considering funding flood-related projects such as stream studies, floodplain management, ordinance development, etc to reduce the impacts associated with flood events in their prioritized areas.  These funds may be administered through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs or the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
  

3. Local Funding:
   
   
   • MRBC – local match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language.
     
   • County Commissioners / Municipal Councils – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.
     
   • Local Land Trusts – may provide funding or technical assistance with acquired lands in environmentally sensitive areas where water quality and natural resource protection will be enhanced.

FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURES

• Construct levees or other structural controls for flood protection projects.

1. Federal Funding:
   
   
   • US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Funding through USACOE requires Authorization by Congress.

2. State Funding:
   
   
   • IDNR Division of Water - Water Resources Development Funds - these funds can be accessed if specifically included in the IDNR biennial budget and approved by the Indiana legislature.

3. Local Funding:
   
   
   • MRBC – local match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language.
     
   • County Commissioners / Municipal Councils – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.

RESPONSE PLANS

• Develop evacuation plans or emergency action plans for areas protected by flood protection controls.

1. Federal Funding:
   
   
   • FEMA PDM-c Grant Program – pre-disaster (PDM(c) funds are pre-disaster driven and available annually if funded by Congress. This program is nationally competitive, but provides communities with an opportunity to advance local mitigation projects. PDM(c) funds are limited to $3 Million per project award; enough to complete many local mitigation projects.)

2. State Funding:
   
   
   • IDNR – Division of Water – Providing the necessary funding for the development of Emergency action plans for all State owned High Hazard dams.

3. Local Funding:
   
   
   • MRBC – local match (in-kind and/or cash) to support programs in NFIP communities in the Maumee River Basin that have adopted Model Ordinance language
     
   • County Commissioners / Municipal Councils – Local in-kind or cash match required by grants or partnership agreements.