Continuation of the Resource Conservation and Development Program Raises Questions
CED-81-120
Published: Aug 11, 1981. Publicly Released: Aug 14, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program and the administrative and legislative changes needed to improve the control and operation of the program.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| If Congress decides to continue the RC&D program, it should legislatively discontinue the use of program funds for installing project measures currently authorized for financing under cost-sharing arrangements. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-98) established an RC&D program and provided for the deauthorization of projects and for cooperative agreements with states and local units of government. |
| If Congress decides to continue the RC&D program, it should legislatively require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish procedures for periodically reviewing project operations and deauthorizing projects which are no longer active or have developed the capabilities necessary to continue operating without federal involvement. |
Closed – Implemented
|
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
| If Congress decides to continue the RC&D program, it should legislatively direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish several pilot projects where sub-state organizations would assume the functions of RC&D projects. Upon completion of such tests, the Secretary should be required to provide Congress an evaluation of the test results with such recommendations as may be indicated for transferring additional RC&D project functions to sub-state organizations or the reasons for retaining the functions within the existing RC&D program structure. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-98) established an RC&D program and provided for the deauthorization of projects and for cooperative agreements with states and local units of government. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should require the Soil Conservation Service to account for and identify the costs of providing technical assistance for each project measure. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should require the Soil Conservation Service to improve its program information system to provide data which would permit better assessment of project benefits. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should require the Soil Conservation Service to monitor the program more closely to ensure that the projects' area plans are up-to-date and reflect any changed conditions in project circumstances. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should require the Soil Conservation Service to develop and incorporate an approved evaluation procedure into the program's management process. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Agricultural programsConservationFunds managementLand managementNatural resourcesProgram managementNatural resources conservationTechnical assistanceFinancial assistanceSoil conservation