Item 17 - AA - Amend Agreement for Landscape Services

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Page 5 of 51 (H) to achieve the acceleration of the recovery of threatened species, endangered species, and designated critical habitats that are adversely affected by Federal reclamation projects or are subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) under which the Commissioner of Reclamation has implementation responsibilities; (I) to improve the condition of a natural feature; or (J) to carry out any other activity— (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; (ii) 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; or (iii) to plan for or address the impacts of drought. 2. PUBLIC PURPOSE OF SUPPORT OR STIMULATION The proposed Landscape Transformation Program project (Project) will increase the reliability of water supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and/or the environment. 3. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The U.S. Department of the Interior's (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department's priorities. Through WaterSMART, the 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 sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Small -Scale Water Efficiency Projects provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008) and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (E.O. 13985). Small -Scale Water Efficiency projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership. Drought conditions across the West impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The western United States is experiencing its worst drought this century —historic in both duration and severity - threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for R22AP00055 Agreement Template City of Santa Ana (0112021)