For Immediate Release
Date: March 1, 2007

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
Jody Christiansen, Public Affairs Specialist (217) 353.6627

Two New EQIP Special Projects Offer Financial Assistance for Water Issues

Champaign, IL—Illinois landowners with an interest in Drainage Water Management or Irrigation Water Management systems may be eligible for an incentive payment through NRCS’ Ground and Surface Water Conservation Project, a new facet of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2007. Interested landowners should contact their local NRCS county office now in order to get an application on file by the March 16 deadline.

NRCS will accept EQIP applications from landowners interested in obtaining plans for these two conservation practices:

Drainage Water Management (DWM) Plan – a system that controls the elevation of the water table in the field and manages the volume and timing of drainage discharge.

Irrigation Water Management (IWM) Plan – a system that determines and controls the volume, frequency, and application rate of irrigation water in a planned and efficient manner.

Both systems and the plans developed must meet NRCS requirements and standards. Drainage Water Management projects must have at least 20 contiguous acres of cropland that meet certain soil criteria—drainage and slope requirements. Irrigation Water Management projects must meet criteria regarding soil texture—sandy soils rank higher because they require a greater need for successful irrigation.

“For this EQIP incentive, NRCS will pay you to have a plan developed that addresses either of these two issues,” explains NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle. “Once you have a plan, NRCS will ensure it meets standards and specifications. The plan could then be used to better position you for future cost-share payments needed to implement the practices,” adds Gradle.

Applications will be evaluated and ranked by NRCS and submitted before March 16, 2007. The incentive payment for having plans developed is calculated with a price per acre with a cap of $12,000 per individual or entity. Selected applicants will submit a completed EQIP application and enter into a contract to obtain federal assistance for these water-related conservation solutions.

To learn more or submit an EQIP application, visit your local NRCS county office or visit NRCS online at www.il.nrcs.usda.gov

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