![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Alternative Allotment Formula, Fact Sheet
Class Deviation and Alternative State Allotment Formula for Clean Water Act Section 106 Grant Program
EPA has announced that it will allot a portion of grant funds devoted to water pollution control programs (under section 106 of the Clean Water Act) using a different state allocation formula in order to strengthen state water quality monitoring. The Agency published in the Federal Register, a Notice of Availability of Class Deviation and an alternative state allotment formula for environmental program grants under 40 CFR Part 35, Subpart A. The alternative state allotment formula will only apply to a $9.92 million increase in FY 2005 funds. The remaining Section 106 grant funds will be apportioned in accordance with the allotment formulae EPA currently uses.
Background
The Environmental Protection Agency’s FY 2005 appropriations bill included $208.32 million for Clean Water Act, Section 106 Grants. This represents a $9.92 million increase over FY 2004.
The Section 106 Grant program helps states, interstate agencies, and tribes administer programs that prevent, reduce, and eliminate water pollution. Currently, monies awarded under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act are allocated through several allotment formulae specific to states, interstate agencies, or American Indian tribes. The Act requires the funds to be allocated “on the basis of the extent of the pollution problem in the respective States.” The formulae have generally worked well, but they have not allowed the Agency to support specific priority areas, such as strengthening state water quality monitoring programs—a priority noted in the President’s FY 2005 budget request.
If the Agency applied the existing state and territory allotment formula to the $9.92 million increase, the bulk of the new funds would go to only a few states. Most states would not receive increases sufficient to provide any measurable strengthening of their water quality monitoring activities.
About this Regulation, Guidance Document, Action, etc.
The Class Deviation (waiver) allows the Agency to apply a new formula to distribute only the $9.92 million increase (over the FY 2004 levels) in FY 2005 funding. The majority of the increase will be directed to support the state and territorial water quality monitoring programs. The alternative allotment methodology will ensure that all states receive a minimum level of assistance to strengthen their water quality monitoring programs.
Approximately $9.1 million of the increase will be allocated to the states and territories for strengthening water quality monitoring programs. Each state will receive about $172,000 and each territory and the District of Columbia will receive allocations of approximately $86,000. The remainder of the funds appropriated for states and territories under Section 106 will be distributed according to EPA’s existing formulae. Interstate agencies and tribes will receive allocations in accordance with existing formulae. Combining the increase with the states’ base funding, the total Section 106 state allocation will increase to approximately $179.5 million.
Under the new formula, twelve states will receive smaller portions of the $9.92 million increase; of these, eight states will receive over $100,000 less. The states most negatively affected by the changes are: Florida, Louisiana, California, Michigan, Texas, Maine, Wisconsin and Alaska. States gaining the most include Wyoming, Arizona, West Virginia, Utah, South Dakota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont. The remaining states, the five territories, and the District of Columbia will receive more money through the alternative allotment methodology.
About Section 106 program grants
EPA is authorized by Section 106 of the Clean Water Act to provide assistance to states (including territories, the District of Columbia), Indian Tribes and interstate agencies to establish and implement water pollution control programs. These programs are intended to protect the health and safety of local water bodies and the communities they serve.
Prevention and control measures supported by state water quality management programs include permitting: pollution control activities; surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement; advice and assistance to local agencies; and the training and public information.
Additional Information
For further information, visit the Office of Wastewater Management web page at: http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/pollutioncontrol.htm or contact Lena Ferris (ferris.lena@epa.gov) at (202) 564-8831.
EPA-823-F-05-003
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wastewater Management (Mail Code 4201M)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20460