FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2010
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

Accepting Proposals for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program

Champaign, IL—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made available $61.2 million in financial assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects through a Request for Proposal (RFPs). The funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land. The deadline for partner organizations to submit proposals is May 17, 2010.

"By working with our partners, we will see more water conservation on working lands and more opportunities to improve water quality," said NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle.

AWEP projects are implemented when NRCS enters into partnership agreements with eligible entities. NRCS works with these partners to help landowners plan and implement conservation practices in established project areas.

Partnership entities include federally recognized Indian Tribes, state agencies, units of local government, agricultural associations, and other groups of producers--such as irrigation associations, agricultural land trusts, or other nongovernmental organizations--that have experience working with agricultural producers. Eligible entities can submit proposals for funding. When an AWEP project area has been approved and announced, individual producers may apply for program benefits through their local NRCS office.

Types of water enhancement activities intended with the RFP are:
•Water quality or water conservation plan development;
•Water conservation restoration or enhancement projects;
•Water quality or quantity restoration or enhancement projects;
•Irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancements;
•Activities designed to mitigate the effects of drought; and
•Related activities determined to help achieve water quality or water conservation benefits on agricultural land.

The deadline for partner organizations to submit proposals is May 17, 2010. To view the full RFP, for additional AWEP information, or to apply visit: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/farmbill. For additional information about NRCS and conservation programs that may be available for you, visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov, or the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.
 

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