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Bringing USDA-NRCS Funding to the OGWRP
The Grant County Conservation District (GCCD), East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), other OGWRP partners, and your legislators are pursuing funding through USDA Farm Bill conservation programs to help fund the remaining components of the OGWRP, primarily including the pump stations, laterals, and on-farm build outs.
The three main federal funding programs we are pursuing are NRCS' Small Watershed Program (PL-566), the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). By combining these programs, we are able to bring significant federal funding to help partners and producers implement the OGWRP. Getting involved as early as possible will help ensure you can take full advantage of these programs.
Future funding for OGWRP pump stations and laterals
NRCS' Small Watershed Program (PL-566) can potentially provide eventual funding for pumping plants and lateral lines to OGWRP farms. First, a Watershed Plan/Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is required that could take 1 to 2 years. Then, upon EIS completion and Watershed Plan approval, PL-566 could potentially cover 100% of engineering and 75% of lateral line construction costs up to $25 million per project. Additional PL-566 funding can be allocated per project with congressional authorization. Each pumping plant and lateral would be considered an individual project. Work could be done over several years.
For status updates, click here →
Potential future cost share for on-farm infrastructure
GCCD is applying for funds through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in April 2022 for EL 80.6 and EL 84.7 on-farm project cost share, including for booster pumps, mainlines, or other structural projects to make hook ups to the new laterals possible.
The program is available through individual contracts with eligible entities/farms. GCCD is working with individual farms to put together conservation plans that are a requirement for applying for RCPP funds. Details on eligibility requirements, cost share rates, and enrollment details can be found at out local NRCS office.
Contact the NRCS Ephrata Field Office →
