Addressing Funding Issues
Facing the Watershed Project
Introduction
As with all projects such as the Indian Lake Watershed Project, funding considerations are often
the most challenging to address. Federal funds were readily available when the Indian Lake
Watershed Project began. This may have created a perception with the public this would be an
ongoing condition. The unfortunate truth, however, is the federal support and involvement was
never intended to be permanent. A basic premise related to watershed management is such projects
should be locally managed and supported. Those who live in the watershed receive the greatest
benefit from a cleaner lake in higher property values and a stronger tourist economy. If these
benefits are valued by the local community, it is reasonable for the community and local
government to share the costs of producing and maintaining these benefits.
Through surveys, focus groups, public meetings, and several one-on-one interviews, the project
team has received numerous ideas on how to fund the project. Within this section those ideas
will be described, as well as the feasibility of their implementation. A funding strategy will
be offered which describes the project's current plan for meeting administrative, program, and
staffing needs. It is important to consider that the long-term funding picture is likely to
change dramatically from time to time. As opportunities arise and recede, the funding strategy
will be revised to accommodate those changes.
To Top
|
