1. Leveraging Resources with National Estuary Programs
Lower Rio Grande Valley Stormwater Conference
South Padre Island, Texas
May 18,2016
Brian Koch Regional Watershed Coordinator Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board

2. Leveraging Resources with NEPs
What will be covered today
Brief TSSWCB Agency Overview
How TSSWCB works with the two Estuary Programs in Texas
Leveraging Resources
Summary

3. Agency Role Water Quality Mandate - Texas Agriculture Code §201.026
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) is the lead agency in Texas responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs and practices for abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint source water pollution.

4. Agency Role
Provide technical and financial assistance to local soil and water conservation districts
Local districts encourage landowners and agricultural producers to voluntarily conserve natural resources on their private lands through the implementation of best management practices
Results in a positive impact on state water resources, and protects soil quality which supports the strength of Texas’ agricultural economy

5. How this gets done
TSSWCB administers several programs to achieve conservation goals across the state, they include:
Water Quality Management Plan Program
Nonpoint Source Grant Program
Water Supply Enhancement Program (Brush control)
Flood Control Program

6. Working with NEPs
Two Estuary Programs in Texas; Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP) and Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP)
TSSWCB sits on the Galveston Bay Council and participates in the Water and Sediment Quality Subcommittee, I currently serve as Chair of the subcommittee
TSSWCB also participates on the Water and Sediment Quality Implementation Team for CBBEP
Also, assisting with CCMP revision (Galveston Bay Plan, CBBEP Bays Plan)

7. Working with NEPs
These CCMPs contain action plans that have objectives and goals to help enhance, protect, or restore the estuary in focus
GBEP Water and Sediment Quality is what the focus will be today
TSSWCB is funding Watershed Protection Plans in the Galveston Bay Estuary Program area for Double Bayou and Cedar Bayou

8. Leveraging Resources
Estuary Programs in Texas receive both state and federal funding
Many projects (marsh restoration, watershed planning, land acquisition, etc…) require match in some form or fashion, e.g. federal funding usually requires state or local match
These WPPs are funded with Clean Water Act Section 319 funding through USEPA, and require state and local match

9. Leveraging Resources
Development of WPPs support the goals and actions outlined in the Water and Sediment Quality (WSQ) Action Plan and the NPS Action Plan of the Galveston Bay CCMP. The Galveston Bay CCMP was developed by the Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (now the TCEQ Galveston Bay Estuary Program) and approved by the EPA National Estuary Program in Specifically, the WPPs satisfy the following CCMP actions:
Action WSQ-1: Reduce Contaminant Concentrations to Meet Standards and Criteria
Action WSQ-6: Reduce Nutrient and BOD Loadings to Problem Areas
Action NPS-1: Implement storm water programs for local municipalities
Action NPS-2: Perform pilot projects to develop NPS Best Management Practices
Action NPS-3: Identify and correct priority watershed pollutant problems
Action NPS-10: Develop inventory of agricultural non-point sources
Action NPS-11: Coordinate and implement existing agricultural NPS control programs

10. Leveraging Resources
Working through the Water and Sediment Quality Subcommittee both projects were able to secure funding for match
Cedar Bayou received $165,000 and Double Bayou received $129,126
Both projects also received valuable technical guidance from GBEP, as well
Both WPPs are transitioning from planning to implementation, so there is potential for more partnering with GBEP

11. Summary
Estuary Programs can be valuable partners in achieving certain goals and milestones
They can provide valuable technical and financial resources and present many opportunities for collaboration and potential new partners
Also, can provide opportunities for partnerships that go beyond certain groups more traditional partners

12. Thanks!

13. Regional Watershed Coordinator
Brian Koch
Regional Watershed Coordinator
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Wharton Regional Office
1120 Hodges Ln
Wharton, TX 77488 v f
Authorization for use or reproduction of any original material
contained in this presentation is freely granted.
TSSWCB would appreciate acknowledgement.