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Summer Watershed Intern
The project must clearly enhance the sustainability of the watershed organizations and
The AmeriCorps*VISTA generally concentrates on fighting poverty and building capacity.
OSM's primary goal is to fight acid mine drainage (AMD) in the watersheds of the Appalachia.
The combined efforts of OSM and AmeriCorps*VISTA is to bring environmental and economic improvement in the Appalachia region by targeting problems associated with pre-regulatory coal mining in the Appalachia watersheds affected by AMD.
Examples of Funded Projects
In 1999, ten college students pioneered the program, completing projects dealing with various aspects of cleaning up acid mine drainage.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
Ten college students working in five States throughout the Appalachian region pioneered the Summer Watershed Intern Program during the summer of 1999. In 2000 and 2001, 20 college students participated as summer watershed interns. During the summer of 2002, together with financial support of the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory, OSM place 33 interns in eight Appalachian States. In FY 03, with additional EPA funding, OSM placed 30 interns in seven States. In 2004, OSM placed 22 interns in six States. In 2005, OSM placed 22 interns in eight States. We are currently reviewing applications for 2006.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The OSM Watershed Intern Program is to assist watershed groups by providing funds for the watershed organizations to hire interns to work on specific watershed projects.
The OSM/Americorp*VISTA provides a one time payment for support for the watershed organizations to obtain OSM/Americorp*VISTA volunteers to work on specific projects.
Projects for both programs must clearly enhance the sustainability of the watershed organization, and must contribute directly to the remediation of acid mine drainage.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The OSM Watershed Intern Program recipients are required to be public or private non-profit institutions/organizations, established watershed organizations in the following States to be eligible to participate: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students, throughout the United States, interested in helping to clean up the environment are also eligible.
OSM/AmeriCorps VISTA requires qualified watershed groups to be non-profit organizations or be sponsored by a local non-profit group such as a Resource Conservation and Development District, a local historical society, or a Soil and Water Conservation Service.
The program currently serves the following Appalachia States: Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Watershed organizations in communities impacted by streams polluted by acid mine drainage will benefit from this program.
Credentials/Documentation
Proof of not-for-profit, IRS 501(c)(3), status is required of nonprofit watershed organizations. Proof of student status is required.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication is not required.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
The SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, or its revisions, must be used. Guidelines and application procedures can be obtained from the OSM Website, www.osmre.gov. Paper copy of guidelines and application procedures can be obtained from the OSM Headquarters.
Award Procedures
Approval by the Director or his designee.
Deadlines
Sponsorships and internships will be awarded on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.
Authorization
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977; Public Law 95-87; 91 Stat. 445-532.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Partners are encouraged to make monetary contributions or provide in-kind services.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Each internship is for 12 weeks of full-time work by an intern. This 12-week period can be split with two interns or worked part-time over 24 weeks.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly reports (financial and programmatic) are required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations."
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-5015-0-1-302.
Obigations
(Direct payments) FY 07 $65,000; FY 08 est $70,000; and FY 09 est $75,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Each internship includes a $2,000 stipend for 12 weeks of full-time work by an intern and $500 for related expenses.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Section 404, Public Law 95-87.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Catalog Appendix IV for addresses.
Headquarters Office
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20240. Contact: Division of Reclamation Support. Telephone: (202) 208-2585.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Each proposed watershed project must clearly enhance the sustainability of the watershed organization and must contribute directly to the remediation of acid mine drainage. Candidates must be able to organize their work, work well with community groups and on their own, have an understanding of acid mine drainage remediation and the national Clean Streams program, and write well.
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