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NRCS Extends Application Period for Conservation Innovation Grants to March 20th
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) announced the application period for 2009 Conservation Innovation Grants
(CIG) funding has been extended to March 20th. The previous deadline to submit
applications was March 2nd.
CIG Project Profile.
Through a Conservation Innovation Grant,
past grantee the Propane Education & Research Council uses a propane
engine like this one in a system that allows real-time adjustments to
irrigation pump operations. This low-emission system, at work on a
school farm in Northern California, provides chemical-free weed control
and reduces farm equipment emissions. Atarus image.
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“Innovation always has been a hallmark of American agriculture and in keeping
with President Obama’s focus on science, technology and innovation, these grants
will provide an opportunity for citizens to directly engage with promoting a
healthy environment and a healthy economy,” said Acting NRCS Chief Dave White.
“We’re extending the application period to make certain those interested have
adequate time to submit applications.”
The Conservation Innovation Grants are aimed at helping achieve and promote
innovation in critical areas such as water quality, energy, climate change and
pollinator habitat. NRCS administers the grant program. Grants will be awarded
through a nationwide competitive process and can range up to three years in
length. Up to $20 million is available for this National competition.
Applications will be accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto
Rico and the Virgin Islands) and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
The fiscal year 2009 NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants categories are:
• Natural Resource Concerns Category—up
to $5 million is available for proposals addressing natural resource issues such
as air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, forest management, nutrient
management and other ways to address and meet Federal, State and local
environmental requirements.
• Technology Category—up to $6
million is available for proposals in new technologies that promote such areas
as animal waste management, erosion control, grazing land productivity,
irrigation water use, fertilizer use, energy use and carbon sequestration.
• Grant Leveraging Category—up to
$4 million is available to help leverage grant projects that enhance and protect
the environment more by doing so in conjunction with other agricultural
production and forest management projects.
• Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category—up
to $5 million is available for proposals addressing natural resource concerns in
the Chesapeake Bay watershed such as erosion and sediment control, carbon
sequestration and water quality.
Project proposals must describe the geographic area and the natural resource
concern or concerns being addressed. Applicants also must describe the
innovative technologies or approaches which will be used. Other requirements are
identified in the announcement of program funding. NRCS will provide technical
oversight for each project receiving an award however; each grantee is
responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully
complete the project
NRCS plans to fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation,
including pilot projects and field demonstrations. The grant is not a research
program, but rather a tool to stimulate the adoption of conservation approaches
or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high
likelihood of success and are likely candidates for eventual transfer of the
technology to the public.
NRCS can match up to 50 percent of the project when at least 50 percent of the
project’s total cost (cash and in-kind contributions) comes from non-Federal
sources. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $2 million.
Applications must be received in the NRCS National Headquarters by close of
business March 20, 2009. Applications should be sent to: USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service; Conservation Innovation Grants Program; Financial
Assistance Programs Division, Room 5239-S; 1400 Independence Ave, SW;
Washington, DC 20250. To view the complete announcement of program funding, go
to
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/. To apply electronically, go to
http://www.grants.gov/.
For more information about NRCS conservation programs online, go to
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov, or visit the
nearest USDA Service Center in your area. Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS
conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and
local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on
specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating state and national
interests.
Links...
Conservation Innovation Grants Web page
< 2009 NRCS Newsroom
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