Public Comment Sought on Proposed Council Capacity Grants Rules

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board sent this bulletin at 02/21/2014 12:12 PM PST

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Dear Subscriber,

OWEB seeks public comment on proposed rules for Outcome-Based Watershed Council Capacity Grants.
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. 

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.

The proposed rules also state that the Board will adopt guidance to accompany the rules.  This guidance is available via OWEB’s website for comment before it is adopted by the Board.  The rules hearings agenda, draft rules, proposed guidance, frequently asked questions, and additional information are available for download at the bottom of this email.
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. 
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. 
 March 4, 2014  12:30-3:30pm Sunridge Inn, 1 Sunridge Lane, Baker City, OR
 March 5, 2014  12:30-3:30pm Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N Main St, Pendleton, OR
 March 7, 2014  12:30-3:30pm Riverbend Community Center, 799 SW Columbia, Bend, OR
 March 10, 2014  12:30-3:30pm Department of State Lands, Land Board Room, 775 Summer St. NE, Salem OR
 March 12, 2014  12:30-3:30pm ODOT, 100 Antelope Road, White City, OR
 March 14, 2014  12:30-3:30pm Bay City Hall, 5525 B Street, Bay City, OR

A copy of the proposed rules may be obtained by downloading them from OWEB's website, by calling 503-986-0046 to request a copy, or by visiting OWEB’s Salem office. If you have questions concerning the rules or this process contact Courtney Shaff at 503-986-0046 or email.