The time spent in grant administration could be more effectively spent in providing hands-on water education activities in the classroom or in the field. The addition of funds for Project WET contractors has allowed some of the administrative work to be assigned to contractors. However, many administrative activities are not appropriately assigned to contractors. State staff is necessary to coordinate and manage the water education programs, grants and contracts. Grant Funding Match Requirements.
Many federal grants require a state match.
The limited amount of state dollars available has limited the state's ability to qualify for a number of grants in terms of meeting the match requirements. Many federal grants are designed to provide startup funds, not long-term, continued funding. Oftentimes the Division has been able to tap a funding source only two to three times. The federal granting agencies expect the state to pick-up support for the programs once they are up and rolling. Assessing the Value of Water Education.