FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2009
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
                                                 

NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant Deadline EXTENDED!

Champaign, IL—The initial application deadline for Illinois’ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program has been extended from May 1, 2009 to May 15, 2009. NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Ivan Dozier is optimistic that two additional weeks to prepare proposals will give individuals and entities enough time to finalize all necessary documentation to be submitted and ranked.

According to Dozier, CIG is a new state component under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The CIG program is designed as a competitive grant option to stimulate creation and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies that protect and enhance natural resources. As a sub-set of EQIP, CIG strives to speed the transfer and use of the type of technologies and methods that show promise in solving Illinois’ top natural resource problems.

“For potential grant recipients out there who needed more time to get their application ready, we’re glad to be able to offer it,” says Dozier. “CIG gives NRCS a chance to review, field test, and demonstrate practices and ideas that could potentially be mainstreamed into our portfolio of conservation practices,” Dozier adds.

Applications must be received in the NRCS Illinois State office by 5 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT), May 15, 2009. The address for postal or hand-delivered applications or applications submitted using express mail or overnight courier service is: USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Attention: Ivan Dozier, ASTC-Programs, 2118 West Park Court, Champaign, IL 61821.

For 2009, projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers and fall under one or more of the following natural resource sub-categories:

1) energy, 2) soil quality, 3) air quality, 4) water quality, and 5) invasive species.

This year, Illinois NRCS will dedicate up to $600,000 for high-ranking, selected CIG applicants. Individual grant awards are capped at $75,000 each and typically help carry out structural, vegetative or management practices that offer more options for environmental enhancements that work for production agriculture. To learn more, visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig or call your local NRCS county office.

 

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