The UCSRB is the Lead Entity (LE) for the UC. “Lead Entities” is a term used by the state to define a county, city, conservation district, special district, tribal government, regional recovery organization, or other entity that is responsible for submitting a project list to the SRFB for funding consideration. The UCSRB is also the state-designated regional recovery organization and the LE is responsible for facilitating the process of compiling one project list and to submit that list for funding consideration to the SRFB. The UC regional approach to pursing both mitigation and recovery funds from all available sources is the result of years of collaborative work on the part of all interested parties to establish an effective and efficient process. Regional project and funding coordination is an on-going process. The details are identified from the Recovery Plan’s Implementation Schedule and developed within each of the Watershed Action Teams (WATs) in the region. The UCSRB currently facilitates two approaches to funding projects in the region: (1) targeted process of habitat programmatic funds; and (2) traditional grant applications (a.k.a. “Open 6-Step Funding Process”). The following guidance document focuses on the Open 6-Step Funding Process.
The Lead Entity (LE) Coordinator will help facilitate the movement of proposals through the review process. This includes assuring that the RTT, BPA, TRIB, and Citizens’ Committees receive review copies at appropriate times. Project sponsors should begin working with the LE early in the process to engage available services that will assist in developing competitive proposals for SRFB, TRIB, or BPA funding.