PWSR Toolkit Home > Study > Funding and Cooperative Agreements

Funds for Congressionally authorized PWSR studies are provided through the National Park Service budget, as approved by Congress. To engage local communities and partners effectively, NPS typically funds the locally-based PWSR study process through a Cooperative Agreement with the coordinating entity or fiscal agent for the local study. Local watershed councils or river associations, or other local non-profit conservation organizations, usually serve as fiscal agents on behalf of the local study committee. Fiscal agents must have the capacity to accept, manage, and disburse federal funds; complete annual financial audits; and meet insurance requirements, as well as other certifications contained in federal forms SF424 and SF424B. From a practical standpoint, fiscal agents need to work efficiently with partners and jurisdictions across the full study area and should be willing and able to undertake efforts to secure and manage other funds (e.g., foundation funds, state grant awards, etc.) on behalf of the local study committee as needed.

Cooperative Agreements (CAs) typically have a 5-year maximum term. Funds are awarded annually, with the initial execution of the CA and with subsequent CA modifications to add funding each year. Ultimately, these CA funds support development of both the local River Management Plan and the NPS Study Report.

The three PWSR studies authorized in 2014 were initially approved for $184,000 each, with $64,000 awarded through the CA in the first year and $60,000 awarded in each of the second and third years through CA modifications, subject to passage of the federal budget each year. The primary use of funds is usually for staff that manage the study and coordinate the work of the local study committee. Funds can be used for study-related projects and services through subawards or contracts with other entities. Other uses of funds include special services (e.g., mapping, outreach, facilitation, website development); management plan development and printing; outreach materials; meeting supplies; administrative costs; and travel. Indirect costs for the fiscal agent are permitted.

Example: York River PWSR Study Budget

This TABLE shows the various funding sources and expenses by year for the York River PWSR Study.