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=60 <br /> Proposed Structure of the Watershed Organization <br /> The preliminary concepts for the new Watershed Organization are to establish two membership tiers. <br /> Tier 1 would include local governments, state and federal agencies, and utilities that would have <br /> specific requirements under the revised nutrient management strategy. These requirements would <br /> likely be investment-based (cash and in-kind) as under the current IAIA Program. Internal and <br /> external stakeholders, including staff from DWR and environmental advocacy groups, indicate they <br /> would like to see this approach continued under the revised strategy. Tier 1 members would be <br /> responsible for funding projects and activities as well as administration of the program. <br /> Administrative costs could include meeting coordination and development of meeting materials, <br /> compiling annual reports from members, generating a summary report for submittal to DWR, <br /> providing technical advisory support, and answering questions about the program from members of <br /> the Watershed Organization, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and the public. <br /> Tier 2 members would not have specific requirements under the revised strategy. Their participation <br /> would be strictly voluntary. Tier 2 members would be potential partners in the implementation of <br /> practices and actions that improve water quality and quantity across the watershed. Tier 1 members <br /> would coordinate with and support Tier 2 members to identify and, if appropriate, implement <br /> projects across a wide range of land uses and nutrient sources. Funds from Tier 1 members may <br /> also be used by Tier 2 members to support reporting and tracking efforts as well as technical <br /> assistance programs. Tier 2 members would receive the benefits of investments from Tier 1 <br /> members but maintain their own tracking and reporting. <br /> Tier 1 and Tier 2 members would maintain control of actions affecting their lands and interests and <br /> provide oversight by leading committees within the Watershed Organization that are focused on their <br /> area of responsibility. For example, a committee established to identify opportunities for supporting <br /> agriculture in the watershed would be led by representatives from agriculture. The same approach <br /> would apply to NC DOT. <br /> As with the IATA, it is not anticipated that the new Watershed Organization will receive or manage <br /> funds from members investing in their own projects, or on projects undertaken by agreement with <br /> other participants or other organizations. The current IAIA provides for the funding of "special" <br /> projects coordinated through the UNRBA, and the Bylaws for the Watershed Organization should <br /> address this potential. As envisioned currently, participating members would develop the necessary <br /> agreements and track and report individual and joint contributions. Participants would directly <br /> provide the investment funding or support to successfully complete projects and maintain <br /> appropriate project files for future reference. Project plans and specific information related to <br /> design, installation, operation, and maintenance would not have to be submitted to DEQ but should <br /> be kept on file by the participants in accordance with their file retention practices. <br /> Investments <br /> Investments in eligible projects and activities may be "cash" or in-kind (e.g., self-funded projects, <br /> donation of technical-service hours, or use of equipment). Individual members will provide annual <br /> reports to DEQ that identify each project and the investment amount(for multi-year <br /> activities/projects,the participating member will show a total investment and note the projected <br /> investment for the coming years). On the basis of these reports,the Watershed Organization will <br /> provide a summary report to DWR and to the membership on total participation and total <br /> investment. <br /> As envisioned currently, each participant may allocate resources using one or more of four funding <br /> options. Participants can use a combination of project funding approaches and can change which <br /> funding options they utilize from year to year. Investment credits generated from multi-partner <br /> 41 <br />