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Bringing USDA-NRCS Funding to the OGWRP
The Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), other OGWRP partners, and our 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.
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Future funding for OGWRP pump stations and laterals
NRCS' Small Watershed Program (PL-566) can potentially provide funding for pumping plants and lateral lines to OGWRP farms. First, a Watershed Plan/Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is required which could take 1 to 3 years. OGWRP partners are working swiftly to streamline this process and are hoping to adopt the Bureau of Reclamation's Odessa Final EIS (2012). Once the EIS adoption and Watershed Plan are completed and approved, PL-566 could potentially cover 100% of engineering and up to 75% of pump station and lateral line construction costs.
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For status updates, click here →
Potential future cost share for on-farm infrastructure
CBCD is pursuing funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for on-farm project cost share 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. CBCD is working with individual farms to put together conservation plans that are required for funding.
Contact Audrey Rhodes, CBCD's RCPP Program Manager for more information.
