State agency discretion in a delegated federal program: Evidence from drinking water investment
Journal Article (Journal Article)
This article examines the use of discretion by state agencies in the context of multilevel policy. Research on agency discretion assumes that discretion represents a departure from legislative intent. However, Congress may delegate authority to promote policy innovation. Using data on investment in drinking water infrastructure from 2000 to 2008, we examine the relationship between agency discretion and functional expertise in implementing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. We focus on two areas where states can exercise discretion: (i) projects not related to compliance with federal law and (ii) support to small water systems. Our results indicate that agency expertise influences investment, but problem severity reduces differences across agencies. Initial choices over agency design affect how states adapt federal programs to meet state needs.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Daley, DM; Mullin, M; Rubado, ME
Published Date
- October 1, 2014
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 44 / 4
Start / End Page
- 564 - 586
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1747-7107
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0048-5950
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1093/publius/pjt033
Citation Source
- Scopus