UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ASSISTANCE (3)

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Page 5 of 52 by Federal reclamation projects or are subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan tender the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 etseq) under which the Commissioner of Reclamation has implementation responsibilities; or (If) to carry out any other actit,14— (i) to address any climate -related impact to the water supply of the United States that increases ecological resiliency to the impacts of climate change; or (d) to prevent any water -related crisis or conflict at any watershed that has a nexus to a Federal reclamation project located in a service area. 2. PUBLIC PURPOSE OF SUPPORT OR STIMULATION The proposed New Washington Well Construction project (Project) achieves the public purpose of the Act by increasing the reliability of water supplies; improving water management; and providing benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought. 3. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Through WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow), Reclamation leverages Federal and non -Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments and attention to local water conflicts. Reclamation's WaterSMART Drought Response Program supports a proactive approach to drought by providing financial assistance to water managers to develop and update comprehensive drought plans (Drought Contingency Planning) and implement projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought (Drought Resiliency Projects). The Drought Response Program specifically contributes to the Department of the Interior's priorities to create a legacy of conservation stewardship, modernize our infrastructure, and restore trust with local communities by providing funding to states, tribes, and local governments to prepare for and address drought in advance of a crisis. Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation invites states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on Drought Resiliency Projects that will increase the reliability of water supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought. Agreement No. R20AP00113 Agreement Template (03/2019)