Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 9, September 1, 2024
Water acquisition grant applications will be evaluated on the
extent to which the application describes:
(1) The significance of the projected
ecological outcomes, including how the proposed Water Acquisition Project:
(a) Achieves or helps to achieve any
professionally accepted flow target during the period of use;
(b) Addresses limiting factors identified in
professionally accepted conservation plans for habitat conservation needs or
water quality;
(c) Provides
benefits to impacted species and life stages;
(d) Monitors and tracks project impacts over
time, as appropriate for the transaction type and duration;
(e) Monitors project compliance, as
appropriate for the transaction type and duration; and
(f) Contributes to climate change
adaptation.
(2) The
alignment of proposed costs with the work necessary to accomplish the
objectives described in the application, including:
(a) The ownership, use, validity, and
reliability of the water right;
(b)
How the proposed cost of the Legally or Contractually Protected Instream Flow
is consistent with local or regional market conditions; and
(c) How the term of the proposed Water
Acquisition Project is appropriate to meet the habitat, species, or water
quality needs.
(3) How
the proposed activities are part of a strategic effort or long term vision for
restoring instream flows in the watershed, including how the proposed Water
Acquisition Project:
(a) Complements other
habitat conservation actions and needs;
(b) Will lead to future expansion of instream
flow restoration; and
(c) Addresses
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, or other federal or tribal fish and
wildlife agency priorities for aquatic habitat, Oregon Department of
Agriculture or Oregon Department of Forestry priorities for water quality, or
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality water quality management or
implementation plans, if established.
(4) The capacity and qualifications of the
applicant, including staff or consultants to be retained, to accomplish the
proposed Water Acquisition Project activities described in the application and
to sustain the projected ecological outcomes over the project term.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS
541.906
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS
541.932(9)
