The SRCWCC is to assure that a process exists to prepare the RCWP project applications for submission by the Governor in order of priority to the Administrator, NRCS, through the State Conservationst, NRCS. This process must include the opportunity for public participation, especially participation by potential RCWP participants. Applications will be submitted in conformance with OMB Circular A-95.

The preparation and submission of applications are to be based on the priorities established by the Governor and data and information in the approved agricultural portion of the State or areawide 208 water quality management plan.

Applications shall contain the following components. Additional material may be added when, in the judgment of the applicant, it is needed to fully support the application and/or would enhance the probability of project authorization. Information provided under each component shall be in sufficient detail to permit the NRCWCC to evaluate the application using priority criteria in § 634.14.

Description of the project area,

Severity of the water quality problem

Objectives and planned action,

Schedule for carrying out the plan, and

Estimated cost. This component is to identify and show the basis for those costs associated with completing the project. The project application shall include an estimate of the total cost of the project, the Federal contribution, and the non-Federal contribution. The Federal contribution shall not exceed 50 percent unless the application, based on offsite benefits and financial burden, show that a higher level is appropriate.

Estimated water quality benefits and effects.

Arrangements for project administration. This component is to set out the applicant's plan for carrying out the program in the project area. The plan should:

Identify the administering agency and document the capability of the agency to carry out the responsibilities described in § 634.4(p). In addition, information should be included to describe the administering agency staff, the location of that staff relative to the project area, and the experience of the agency in administering comparable grant programs.

Where appropriate, describe the specific arrangements that have been made, or that are anticipated, for local, State, and Federal agency participation such as technical assistance and other cost-sharing programs.

Attachments. The following attachments are the minimum required with each application:

A letter from the water-quality management agency designated by the Governor to carry out the approved agricultural portion of the 208 water quality management plan for the area or source certifying that the BMPs to be cost shared are consistent with the BMP's in the 208 plan,

A letter from the designated management agency which assures and sets out a strategy for reaching an adequate level of participation (§ 634.5(a)).

As appropriate, the preapplication for Federal assistance (OMB Circular A-102) from the identified administering agency, and

A listing of the prevailing cost-share levels of other programs in the project area.