States have full authority to determine their needs and priorities and submit projects accordingly. Projects are monitored to ensure activities are completed as proposed and funds are spent on approved activities. Bud Fuchs, Fish and Wildlife Team Leader Tel. Funds collected during a given fiscal year are available to states at the beginning of the next fiscal year. The amount apportioned to each state is determined by a formula which considers the total land and water area of the state, and the number of licensed anglers in the state.
Funds are available for obligation by the states for two years.
Approved projects are cost reimbursable, meaning the states carry out the work at their expense and are reimbursed up to a maximum federal share of 75 percent. States must provide at least 25 percent of the project funding from a non-federal source. To be substantial, the projects must address a legitimate, described need, and be designed to meet the need in a reasonable way at a reasonable cost. Once they are approved, the federal share of the project funding is obligated from the state's apportionment. The state may then begin the project and be reimbursed as costs are incurred.