Most districts cannot compete for really large projects because they cannot bear the cost of a large reimbursement style grant. This concern has been discussed with all the major federal and state funders. Until there is a means to address advance funding, Conservation Districts will find it difficult to access major federal and state programs for watershed restoration work. Of particular concern is the time-delay factor for reimbursement on federal programs such as the 319h. Districts who have done 319h projects are saying they will not do another.
Most districts are unable to have large sums of money tied up for indefinite periods of time.
On major proposals some districts have been fortunate to enlist the aid of an agency in proposal preparation. This particular aspect of conservation partnerships is among the most valuable for resource conservation districts. The availability of such aid is spotty and demonstrates the need for alliance development training and skills at the district level. In particular, the state agencies have really blossomed as great working partners for RCDs. Some agencies like Department of Water Resources and Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are devoting considerable staff time to proposal development helping bridge the lack of staff that many RCDs face.